Twenty-five Years of the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program: The Past as Prologue

Authors

John Gale MS, University of Southern Maine, Maine Rural Health Research CenterFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-15-2023

Publication Title

The Journal of Rural Health

Keywords

MRHRC, rural, Flex Program, Critical Access Hospitals, limited-service hospitals, Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program, rural health policy, rural health advocacy networks

Abstract

Since the inception of the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility (Flex) Program and the Critical Access Hospital (CAH) provider type 25 years ago, the needs of CAHs have evolved significantly. In this article, the author, who has had twenty-five years of experience with the program, describes the history of the limited-service hospital model that led to the creation of CAHs and how the Flex Program has changed and impacted CAHs over the years. The author highlights trends likely to impact CAHs and rural healthcare in the future, and concludes with recommendations to address these future needs.

Topics

Rural, Flex Program, Hospitals

Comments

For more information, please contact John Gale, john.gale@maine.edu

Recommended Citation

Gale, J. A. (2023, Mar 15). Twenty-Five Years of the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program: The Past as Prologue. Journal of Rural Health. https://doi.org/10.1111/jrh.12754