RURAL HOSPITALS

Florida recognizes the critical importance of rural hospitals and their need to have adequate resources, equipment, technology, and facilities to provide the highest level of care to their communities. Rural hospitals also serve as economic anchors in their communities by supporting well-paying jobs and infusing the economy with spending on goods and services. FHA supports policies and funding to modernize and harden rural hospital facilities in a systematic and equitable way that will strengthen Florida’s entire healthcare network.

SESSION PRIORITES: STRENGTHENING RURAL HOSPITALS

The Florida Hospital Association’s priorities focus on addressing the unique financial challenges faced by rural and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs). Key initiatives include increasing Medicaid reimbursement to cover the costs of essential services like emergency, inpatient, and primary care, as well as advocating for targeted funding add-ons to close the reimbursement gap for rural hospitals and CAHs.

RURAL HOSPITALS REIMBURSEMENT

Create an inpatient and outpatient Medicaid add-on payment to help rural hospitals, including Critical Access Hospitals, close the gap between Medicaid reimbursement and the actual cost of care.

Reimbursement for Hospital Care Coordination Teams

Rural Hospital Capital Improvement Grant Program

Rural hospitals face infrastructure challenges; the Rural Hospital Capital Improvement Grant supports essential upgrades.

ADDITIONAL COLLATERAL

Efforts to support rural hospitals emphasize the importance of securing funding for capital improvements, advancing workforce development, and addressing the unique challenges these facilities face. Resources like grant programs and legislative proposals are crucial to ensuring rural hospitals have the infrastructure, technology, and financial support needed to continue providing essential services to their communities.

Rural Hospital Capital Improvement Grant Program

The Rural Hospital Capital Improvement Grant Program, created in 1999 and funded through 2023, provides rural hospitals with grants to upgrade facilities, equipment, and systems. The program supports hospitals serving low-density communities and helps maintain local access to quality care. Past funding addressed critical needs, including generators, imaging equipment, and facility repairs.

ENGAGING MEDIA

As the largest voice for Florida's hospitals, FHA proactively engages state and national media to ensure consistent and frequent messaging supportive of hospital needs.

Press Release: Florida's Rural Hospital Leaders Gather in Tallahassee to Participate in the FHA Rural Hospital Days
Press Release: Florida Hospital Association Thanks Senate and House Appropriations Subcommittees for Investments in Rural Hospital Capital Improvement
Opinion: FHA supports ‘Rural Renaissance’: Improving health care in Florida’s rural communities | Florida Politics