KANSAS CITY, MO, April 30, 2012 – According to data released by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA), small, rural hospitals nationally have equal or better quality outcomes, and cost less per Medicare beneficiary than their urban counterparts. The intersection between cost and quality defines the value proposition that rural systems of care provide to the Medicare program. Despite the cost-effectiveness of rural hospitals, many may be forced to close if Congress does not reauthorize two rural hospitals programs set to expire on October 1.
