Over 40% of Nebraska’s rural hospitals are at risk of closure, according to new data from Chartis, a Chicago health care advisory services firm.
Across the U.S., the same is true for hundreds of hospitals. Chartis data indicates 141 rural hospitals have closed since 210, and another 453 are “at risk of closure.”
Nebraska (29) and Kansas (38) are among the top three states with the most hospitals vulnerable to closures. Texas (45) leads the list.
Among rural hospitals that are still operating, Chartis reports an increasing number are dropping essential health services, including 19 rural hospitals eliminating cancer treatments and 42 eliminating maternal care.
Chartis says many factors contribute to the risk, including the loss of COVID funding.
