Marketplace All-in-One Amid wide healthcare cuts, a bright spot for rural hospitals
Jan 2, 2026
Elizabeth Tropal, a Marketplace reporter focused on rural healthcare, discusses the impact of the $50 billion federal investment aimed at transforming healthcare access in rural areas. She highlights the challenges faced by rural hospitals due to the rollback of ACA tax credits. Meanwhile, Mitchell Hartman dives into the mixed signals in U.S. travel, noting a boom in domestic tourism but a decline in international visitors. He examines how this shift affects museums, showcasing local successes and innovative strategies they are adopting to enhance revenue.
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Rural Hospitals Face A Double Financial Hit
- Rural hospitals face simultaneous revenue losses as ACA enhanced tax credits expired and Medicaid cuts hit local budgets.
- Federal $50 billion Rural Health Transformation funding aims to modernize rural care but may not offset immediate financial shortfalls.
Expired Tax Credits Hurt Access And Local Economies
- Enhanced premium tax credits previously reduced costs about $900 per enrollee and boosted hospital compensation in rural areas.
- Their expiration will force families and hospitals to adjust budgets, worsening access and local economic flows.
Channel Funds Into Tech, Partnerships, Training
- Invest federal funds in technology, partnerships, and workforce training to strengthen rural care ecosystems.
- Prioritize near-term supports while building these long-term capabilities to avoid gaps in care access.