MedPAC’s rural report is inaccurate, harmful to rural Americans

By: Alan Morgan | 6/15/12

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The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) just released its rural report, and the National Rural Health Association and the Medicare Dependent Rural Hospital Coalition are concerned because it contains inaccuracies that could prove harmful to rural Americans. “Rural patients and providers will ultimately pay the price as rural hospitals will be forced to eliminate services or close their doors if this report is enacted,” says NRHA CEO Alan Morgan. NRHA and the coalition's release regarding today’s MedPAC report to Congress explains how:

1. Rural patients, providers and economies will pay the price as rural hospitals will be forced to shut down services or close their doors if the report is followed.
2. Rural hospitals provide better value to the Medicare program, even including rural reimbursement programs.
3. Access to care in rural America is still a problem.

Be sure to share the real rural health story with your members of Congress, and stay tuned to NRHA for more information. Access MedPAC’s summary here and the full report here.