Read, Watch or Listen

New legislation slashes Medicaid spending by over US$1 trillion, jeopardizing healthcare access for 11.8 million, disproportionately impacting rural communities. Rural hospitals, already struggling, face reduced payments and increased unpaid care. Work requirements and ACA changes further exacerbate the issue, potentially leading to hospital closures and a lack of essential services like maternity care. While a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program is included, it's insufficient to offset the cuts, accelerating the decline of rural healthcare and local economies.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.