From Fortune:

The aging Lincoln Community Hospital in Hugo, Colorado, struggles to finance necessary expansions due to low margins and difficulty accessing capital. Similar concerns are widespread among rural hospitals nationwide as they try to remain updated and accessible. Urgent need for upgrades is evident; aging hospitals nationwide have significant deferred maintenance that hinders their operations. Private insurance practices and rising costs contribute to hospitals’ financial challenges. While technological advancements and efficient practices can sometimes mitigate costs, additional funding support is needed. Some lawmakers are looking into legislation to support rural hospitals. Rural hospitals continue to face significant financial strain despite some remaining federal support. Ignoring the funding issue puts rural communities at risk for hospital closures, limiting access to essential emergency and medical care. The uncertain nature of hospital funding puts hospital officials in a challenging position. Delayed projects and increasing construction costs are causing urgent pressure on resources. The struggle to find ways to keep the hospital running offers a glimpse into the ongoing financial struggles of rural healthcare. Today’s challenges highlight the extensive need for rural hospital revitalization funding and solutions.



Read more: Rural hospitals are caught in an aging-infrastructure conundrum