This episode features Steve Gruber, Owner of Michigan Talk Network & Host of The Steve Gruber Show. Here, he discusses reasons rural hospitals & health systems are struggling, the implications closures have on their communities, an upcoming documentary he is working on that sheds light on these issues, and more.
Summary
Steve Gruber Discusses Struggles Facing Rural Hospitals and Health Systems
The Documentary
Steve Gruber, Owner of Michigan Talk Network and Host of “The Steve Gruber Show,” has been working on a documentary shedding light on the challenges facing rural hospitals and health systems. He has spoken to CEOs of small hospitals who have faced issues such as smaller government reimbursements and bankruptcies caused by the pandemic.
Closures’ Impact on Communities
The closure of high-quality healthcare centers can be devastating for residents and communities. It not only means they have limited access to medical care, but also takes away one of the top employers in the area. This can leave communities struggling with a lack of resources and opportunities.
Politicians’ Role in Hospital Closures
Steve Gruber states that politicians often make self-serving decisions that lead to deficits which cannot be sustained. This causes massive disruption in the healthcare industry, where hospitals can no longer cross-subsidize with money from more profitable payers. Many hospitals are unable to stay afloat, leaving them with only the option of caring for the very sick or becoming much smaller entities.
Challenges Facing Rural Healthcare
Rural healthcare is facing a lack of government subsidies, changes in the way healthcare is delivered, and the bankruptcy of major ambulance services. The government will have to provide subsidies if these communities are going to keep vibrant healthcare assistance. Steven Gruber’s documentary about this issue will be released in mid-to-late April.
Note: This is an AI generated transcript, not edited by a staff writer and is solely intended for educational purposes. If you have any questions/concerns, reach out to podcasts@beckershealthcare.com
This episode aired on 03/19/2023 and can be listened here.
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