The Hospitals Treating America’s Heartland Are in Danger of Closing
Summary
Rural and regional hospitals across the United States face financial strain, staffing shortages and reduced services, according to the article and an October 2026 American Hospital Association report. Health care leaders warn that closures or service cuts can make care harder to reach, especially for people with low incomes or limited transportation, and say policy changes affecting coverage could add pressure.Key Facts
- The article says the United States has 6,100 hospitals, including 5,121 community hospitals and 1,797 rural hospitals.
- The American Hospital Association report says more than 40 percent of rural hospitals operate at a financial loss.
- Since 2010, more than 150 rural hospitals have closed or converted, while 331 have ended obstetric services and 448 have stopped offering chemotherapy, the report says.
- Sandhills Medical in South Carolina serves about 12,000 patients each year; 85 percent live at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, and 65 percent are uninsured or covered by Medicaid.
- Sandhills Medical's CEO says 42 percent of its patients manage hypertension and 21 percent manage diabetes, conditions she says respond well to steady primary care.
- The article says low patient volumes, workforce shortages and inadequate reimbursements contribute to financial pressure on rural providers.
- The article says federal policy changes affecting Medicaid and insurance coverage in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could add to the strain.
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