Why rural healthcare fund’s $50B focus on tech upgrades may not help vulnerable hospitals and providers

An influx of cash would help stabilize rural health systems, but the program’s focus on technology may leave other major issues unaddressed.

By: Kevin J. Bennett, University of South Carolina, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 25, 2026

Words: 1,099

Last Updated: 4 weeks ago

By Kevin J. Bennett, University of South Carolina

Healthcare across rural America is in crisis.

In the past two decades, close to 200 rural hospitals have closed – 44 since 2020 alone. Hundreds more have cut much-needed health services, such as maternity care and chemotherapy treatments. Nearly half are losing money on their day-to-day operations, putting them at risk of closure.

Most regions in rural America are designated as areas …

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