About Rural Health Care
California’s rural hospitals are essential lifelines for over 2 million residents, providing critical health care services and acting as economic anchors in their communities. However, these hospitals face severe financial challenges, with more than half operating at a loss. This financial strain has led to the reduction or elimination of vital services, such as obstetrics and cancer treatments. The California Hospital Association is actively advocating for immediate financial support for the development of sustainable funding models to ensure that all Californians, regardless of location, have access to the health care they need and deserve.
The California Critical Access Hospital Network (CCAHN) creates collaborative working relationships among California’s critical access hospitals to strengthen their ability to care for their communities through sharing resources, education, and innovation.
Applications for Distressed Hospital Small Grant Program Due May 18
What’s happening: Following the governor’s signing of Assembly Bill 108 (Gabriel, D-Encino) last week, the Department of Health Care Access and Information has established the Distressed Hospital Small Grant Program, which will provide $25 million to assist hospitals in immediate and severe financial distress. HCAI has released the grant application, which is due May 18 by 5 p.m. (PT).
CHA Briefing Highlights Financial Strain Facing Rural Hospitals
What’s happening: On Tuesday, CHA held a briefing for legislative staff on the financial realities of rural health care survival.
Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health Gets Update on DHLP, Rural Health Transformation Program
What’s happening: The Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Health met this week to receive an update from the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) on the Distressed Hospital Loan Program (DHLP), as well as implementation of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).
Rural Health Care Matters
I had the privilege earlier this week to welcome and join one of the most important gatherings of rural health care leaders in California: CHA’s annual Rural Health Care Symposium.
New Documents Available on Rural Health Transformation Program
What’s happening: The Department of Healthcare Access and Information (HCAI) has released two documents — FAQs and briefing slides — on the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP).
Rural Health in the Spotlight at Annual CHA Symposium
Am looking forward to joining CHA’s annual Rural Health Care Symposium — less than three weeks away — which provides a meaningful opportunity for California’s rural health leaders to connect, share, and learn from one another, key state lawmakers, and policy experts.
CHA Symposium to Address Critical Issues Facing Rural Hospitals — Register Today
What’s happening: There is still time to register for CHA’s annual Rural Health Care Symposium on March 23-24 at the Kimpton Sawyer in Sacramento. Speakers will explore challenges faced by rural hospitals, and attendees will leave with valuable insights on a range of critical health care topics.
Rural Health Symposium to Explore Workforce, Care Coordination, and More
What’s happening: The agenda is set for CHA’s Rural Health Care Symposium, which will be held March 23-24 in Sacramento. This unique symposium, which is dedicated to California’s rural hospital leaders, will explore the specific challenges rural hospitals face and offer valuable insights into a range of critical health care topics.
Update on Rural Health Transformation Program
What’s happening: Following last year’s announcement of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), CHA has been in close communication with the Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI), which is responsible for determining how the funds are spent and implementing proposals the federal government approves.
2026 Rural Health Care Symposium
Join us in Sacramento at the Kimpton Sawyer Hotel for a unique symposium dedicated to California’s rural hospital leaders. Together, we’ll explore the specific challenges rural hospitals face and uncover valuable insights on a range of critical health care topics.