Rural

The measure, which was passed unanimously by the state Legislature, will take effect July 1.

The bill designating "rural emergency hospitals" stems from a federal law and would make them eligible for Medicare payments. The hospitals must be licensed by states, creating a need for the bill.

The VA has long given veterans who served in Vietnam disability compensation for illness connected to Agent Orange. But those exposed at U.S. bases are still waiting for the same benefits.

With an end-of-year deadline and a presidential election approaching, payment rules that fueled rapid expansion of telehealth in the United States face a last-minute congressional decision.

These hospitals receive more than $3 million in federal money a year., but the catch is there are zero inpatient beds. .The Florida Legislature recently passed a bill that to create a category of “rural emergency hospitals" and help keep facilities open.

The measure stems from a federal law that allowed the designation of rural emergency hospitals and made them eligible for Medicare payments.

Supporters say the measure would help ensure access to health care in rural areas. It comes after 15 other states have approved designations of rural emergency hospitals.

Many hospitals are shuttering their obstetrics units because insurance and Medicaid aren't reimbursing enough to cover the cost of births, the report notes.

The expansion of Catholic hospitals nationwide leaves patients at the mercy of the church’s religious directives, which are often at odds with accepted medical standards.

The bus is run by the Alzheimer’s Association and driven statewide by Rob Harris, who offers info to people seeking help. The focus is on getting the word out in under-resourced areas.