rural hospitals

Not a fully rural hospital, St. John’s Health’s ‘in-between status’ means new deposits may have to be returned.

Big chunks of the federal dollars are going toward improving access to emergency care and keeping labor and delivery units open.

Wyoming just took the step to require hospitals to publicly post their prices for services. Colorado has had that requirement since 2021, and now a nonprofit is trying to help consumers make better sense of the data.

That’s especially true in the Mountain West. In most states, if one delivery unit shuts down, the next closest one is more than an hour away.

Dozens of independent, rural hospitals in Montana, Nevada and Wyoming are eligible for the program, where they could have access to a consistent supply of drugs at wholesale prices.

The hospital is exploring a transition to critical access status, which would change the way it’s reimbursed for care.

Lawmakers passed a bill that outlines how Wyoming will spend its $205 million in federal Rural Health Transformation funds. But the feds still need to OK it. Other bills meant to address rural healthcare challenges have also made it to the governor's desk.

With Driggs clinic saved from closure, many still seek care in Idaho Falls or Jackson as options for vital treatments dwindle.

The bill dictates how federal money can be used in the state and creates a perpetual fund. The legislature has also moved a bill that would change hospitals' ability to declare bankruptcy and one that requires hospitals to have a list of standard service charges.

The updated location is 2,500 square feet larger than the previous spot down the block.