About Rural Health Care
California’s nearly five dozen rural hospitals — providing care to more than 2 million people — are both lifelines and economic pillars for the communities they serve. Many of these hospitals are on the financial brink, reducing services just to stay open, or they face the possibility of closure. These situations place the most vulnerable populations at risk as Californians will have to travel great distances to get the care they need.
The California Critical Access Hospital Network (CCAHN) is a statewide organization which exists for the purpose of creating collaborative working relationships among California critical access hospitals to strengthen its members through sharing resources, education, and innovation.
Hospital Leaders Discuss Financial Challenges with Legislators on Capitol Hill
What’s happening: Last week, California hospital and health system leaders convened in Washington, D.C. for the American Hospital Association (AHA) Annual Membership Meeting.
What else to know: Hospital and health system leaders participated in meetings on Capitol Hill with the California congressional delegation to advance CHA’s position on key advocacy priorities.
Legislators to Consider Bill to Preserve Rural Health Care Services
SACRAMENTO (April 18, 2024) — Nearly 2 million people live in California’s rural communities, while many millions more visit these areas for relaxation and exploration. Yet, the lifesaving and life-changing hospital care residents and visitors alike count on is at risk of being lost.
CHA Aims Critical Access Hospital Social Media Campaign at Lawmakers
What’s happening: This week, CHA launched a social media campaign highlighting the challenges rural hospitals – particularly critical access hospitals – face and urging lawmakers to act so that rural health care is preserved.
What else to know: The campaign is intended to cultivate support for Senate Bill (SB) 1423 (Dahle, R-Bieber), which would provide additional financial help for California’s critical access hospitals (a concurrent budget effort is underway). CHA-sponsored SB 1423 will be heard in the Senate Health Committee on April 24.
Loan Forgiveness Maximum Increased for Physicians in Shortage Areas
What’s happening: The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has increased the maximum loan amount that can be forgiven for doctors who commit to practicing in a health professional shortage area.
What else to know: HRSA is accepting applications to participate in this year’s program through May 9 at 4:30 p.m. (PT).
Hospital Leaders Share Access Concerns with Lawmakers
What’s happening: CHA convened a gathering in Sacramento of critical access hospital (CAH) leaders, legislators, and staff this week in support of Senate Bill (SB) 1423 (Dahle, R-Bieber), which aims to stabilize health care services in rural, remote communities.
What else to know: On Tuesday, leaders from eight CAHs visited the offices of 12 lawmakers to convey the serious challenges they face keeping their doors open and the threat posed by the loss of hospital services in rural and underserved communities.
Leaders of Vulnerable Hospitals Deliver Straight Talk to Sacramento
Earlier this week, we worked with hospital leaders to connect directly with policymakers in Sacramento about one of the most critical threats to health care: the degradation and loss of hospital services in rural and underserved communities.
MedPAC to Develop Rural Hospital and Clinician Payment Workplan
What’s happening: The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) is developing a rural hospital and clinician payment policy workplan for 2024–25.
What else to know: The March MedPAC meeting included discussion to inform a future recommendation to Congress related to rural hospitals.
CHA’s Rural Health Care Symposium Brings Hospital Leaders Together on Critical Issues
What’s happening: Timely educational offerings and productive discussions at CHA’s Rural Health Care Symposium on March 4-5 will help shape future organizational strategies for rural and critical access hospitals.
What else to know: With record attendance, the 71 members representing 35 rural and critical access hospitals received updates on CHA’s state and federal legislative efforts, rural seismic strategies, and Medi-Cal and state finances.
New CHA Advocacy Materials on Key Issues Available
What’s happening: New and updated advocacy materials are available for your use.
What else to know: Each packet contains an infographic, key messages, and an issue brief.
Rural Health Care Access Is Statewide Concern
Health care access for more than 2 million Californians is shrinking.