Rural Hospitals Face Crisis from New Policies | Bakersfield News

A new Urban Institute report warns that sweeping federal policy changes could devastate rural hospitals, risking millions of uninsured Americans and triggering widespread closures by 2028. Key reforms tied to the reconciliation bill include stricter Medicaid work requirements, more frequent coverage renewals, and tighter eligibility rules that exclude refugees, asylees, and visa holders — all of which could drive people away from care. Meanwhile, a new Rural Health Transformation Program offers limited funding that won’t offset deep Medicaid cuts, especially in high-Medicaid areas. The fallout? Fewer patients, slashed hours, staff cuts — and potentially shuttered doors across America’s countryside. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/1c5f21156d779605