by David Domingue, SVP of Business Development for Community Hospital Corporation

COMMUNITY HOSPITALS, ESPECIALLY THOSE designated as Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs), are facing mounting pressures from multiple fronts. Workforce shortages, rising supply costs, aging infrastructure, and changing reimbursement models all strain  hospital operations. At the same time, the rapid growth of Medicare Advantage plans introduces new barriers to care and payment, adding to the financial uncertainty.

Medicare Advantage plans are now a dominant force in healthcare coverage, but for rural hospitals, the shift has brought significant challenges. According to the American Hospital Association, these plans frequently delay care, deny claims, and impose burdensome prior authorization requirements, which result in longer hospital stays, increased administrative work, and cash flow disruption. For hospitals already operating with limited margins, the strain is becoming unsustainable.

Read the full article in the DFW Hospital Council Interlocutor, Summer 2025, pages 16-17.