In 15 States More Than 50% Of Rural Hospitals Are At Risk Of Closure

Due to persistent financial losses and low financial reserves, as of January 2022, more than half of rural hospitals in 15 states were at high risk of closure. These states are Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. Nearly every state has at least one rural hospital at immediate risk of closure. In 21 states, 25% or more of rural hospitals are at immediate risk. A hospital is considered to be “closed” if it stops providing inpatient services, even if the facility continues to provide emergency or outpatient services . . .