As leaders of rural hospitals, our organizations are lifelines for medical emergencies, medical homes for many and vital economic engines for our region. Proposed Congressional Medicaid cuts exceeding $750 million over 10 years threaten our ability to serve fragile communities like ours.
In rural southwest Colorado, we operate in a challenging environment whereas many as 30% of patients or more rely on Medicaid – hardworking families, seniors, children and individuals with disabilities. Medicaid ensures access to preventive care, medications and hospital stays, allowing them to live healthy, productive lives within their communities.
We proudly serve whomever walks through our doors, but diminished Medicaid reimbursements create impossible financial scenarios. Medicaid isn’t just for patients; it keeps our lights on and pays our staff – nurses, lab techs, maintenance workers – your neighbors and family members.
When we can no longer offer a service, it is lost to everyone in the community, not just those who rely on Medicaid for their benefits. Not only do hospitals provide local jobs, they make purchases from area businesses and bring in revenue that circulates through our communities.
Cutting Medicaid means longer travel distances for patients, workforce shortages, limited specialty care, and tighter margins hindering equitable, reliable care. Medicaid is a vital resource in sustaining health and well-being in small towns and remote communities and rural hospitals are the vehicle that ensures that care is delivered. Protecting Medicaid protects rural America. These proposed cuts are not just policy; they reshape access to care for millions.
While Congress debates the future of Medicaid, we cannot lose sight of the real lives depending on our health systems financial viability to provide access to care. The patients who show up at our emergency departments in the middle of the night. The parents relying on prenatal care at the only clinic for many miles. The elderly neighbor who depends on affordable home health services to remain independent. Hardworking people managing their mental health and wellness. These are not statistics – these are our neighbors, our families, and the heart of our rural way of life.
Southwest Health System, Mercy Hospital and Pagosa Springs Medical Center are committed to working together to strengthen rural health care, but we need strong federal and state partners who understand that preserving access in southwest Colorado is not optional – it is essential. We urge policymakers to remember the disproportionate burden on rural communities and protect Medicaid as the cornerstone of care it is.
Let’s act now to ensure all Americans, regardless of location, have access to the care they need and deserve.
Joe Theine is Chief Executive Officer at Southwest Health System in Cortez, Josh Neff is President of CommonSpirit Health Mercy Hospital in Durango, and Dr. Rhonda Webb is Chief Executive Officer at Pagosa Springs Medical Center in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
