Warner Robins Today

CareSource, a nonprofit Medicaid plan, has announced the launch of the Rural Access Advancement Program. This initiative will invest $5 million in emergency funding to rural hospitals in Georgia, with the aim of addressing cash flow challenges within the state's healthcare systems and ensuring continued access to healthcare in rural areas.

In a press release by CareSource, HomeTown Health CEO Jimmy Lewis stated: "HomeTown Health commends CareSource for supporting Georgia’s small rural hospitals. CareSource has proven itself to be understanding of rural health care issues and challenges, and the Rural Access Advancement Program is just one more solution CareSource has created to be responsive to rural health care needs."

The same press release outlines that once a rural hospital has stabilized, the funds from this program will be repaid and reinvested. According to CareSource, Georgia faces significant challenges as it ranks third in the nation for hospital closures since 2010. The financial stability of these rural hospitals, previously supported by COVID-19 relief funds, is deteriorating due to factors such as fund expiration, pandemic effects, labor shortages, and rising costs.

CareSource further explains that the closure of rural hospitals impacts 26% of Georgians living outside urban areas. These closures have far-reaching effects beyond healthcare access; they lead to the relocation of healthcare professionals, closure of local businesses, and deter new businesses from establishing in affected communities.