Why rural hospitals in Pennsylvania and across the country are closing in increasing numbers – 5 myths about rural health care

Rural hospitals have high fixed costs, low patient volume and a large portion of patients insured through Medicaid, which typically pays less than private insurers.

By: Shayann Ramedani, Penn State and Daniel R. George, Penn State, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: April 14, 2026

Words: 1,502

Last Updated: 3 months, 2 weeks ago

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By Shayann Ramedani, Penn State and Daniel R. George, Penn State

Some Pennsylvania hospitals are being pushed beyond the brink of closure.

Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park closed in April 2025, Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland closed in May 2025, and Heritage Valley Kennedy Hospital, formerly the Ohio Valley Hospital, in Kennedy Township closed in June 2025.

Rural hospitals are particularly vulnerable.

The UNC Sheps Center, which tracks rural hospital infrastructure in the …

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