In a significant gathering at the heart of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the Sanford Health’s fourth annual Summit on the Future of Rural Health Care witnessed the participation of key figures from the American Hospital Association (AHA). This summit was a beacon of hope for those advocating for enhanced healthcare solutions in the rural landscape, through exciting dialogues and innovative ideas.
Addressing Challenges in Rural Healthcare
Bill Gassen, the president and CEO of Sanford Health, opened the summit with insights into the pressing issues faced by rural healthcare systems. “With workforce shortages and evolving patient needs, we must think differently,” Gassen urged, emphasizing the need for revolutionary approaches to overcome geographical and workforce constraints.
Fireside Chat on Advocacy and Partnerships
The day’s proceedings reached an engaging apex with a fireside chat between Gassen and AHA President and CEO Rick Pollack. Their discussion echoed the necessity for robust advocacy and strategic partnerships among healthcare leaders, with Pollack highlighting the crucial role of initiatives such as hospital-at-home and telehealth flexibilities. “If we see a lot of low-income and middle-income people have to pay increased premiums — that’s a big deal,” Pollack explained, underscoring the importance of equitable healthcare access.
Exploring Provider-led Health Plans
In her pivotal role, Molly Smith, AHA’s group vice president of public policy analysis, added depth to the discussions with reflections on Medicare Advantage. Highlighting Congressional perspectives, Smith noted, “Congress does remember…this program was originally a cost-saving measure, yet hasn’t fulfilled that promise,” pointing to significant focus on financial discrepancies. According to American Hospital Association, these deliberations promise more aligned healthcare practices.
Paving the Way with Innovative Programs
As the summit progressed, attention was directed toward innovative programming like the Rural Emergency Hospitals (REHs), which promise new lifelines to rural communities. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Rural Health Transformation Program, currently open for applications, signals a notable step in fostering greater healthcare adaptability and resilience. The $50 billion funding opportunity stands as a testament to the commitment towards transforming rural healthcare landscapes.
Through rich narratives and empowering discussions, the Sanford Health Summit serves as a catalyst for creative solutions and meaningful changes in rural healthcare, promising a brighter, more inclusive future for rural populations across the nation.
