Healthcare

Rural Hospitals: Last Year’s Shutdowns Set Record

Financial pressures tied to the COVID-19 pandemic are blamed for a score of rural hospital closures in 2020, according to Becker’s Hospital Review. About 60 million people in rural areas of the U.S. rely on these hospitals for care.

Since 2010, 136 rural hospitals have closed; with a record 20 shutting down last year. These facilities often face financial pressures stemming from low patient volumes, coupled with a heavy reliance on government funding.

The National Rural Health Association estimates that these institutions may have lost 70% of their income due ...