Rural Life

TORCH CIN, a physician-hospital organization representing 45 rural and community hospitals across Texas, announced Friday it will end its contracts with UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company over "unsustainable" reimbursement rates. The leader of TORCH CIN said the current rates pose an "existential threat" to rural hospitals.

Health care is the largest and fastest growing industry in Texas — but the workforce isn't growing fast enough to meet increasing demand. Workforce shortages are getting worse, according to testimony from state officials during a House Committee on Public Health hearing.

The U.S. Department of Education proposed a rule that could limit how much students can borrow for different degree programs. A KERA listener wants to know how that could affect health disparities in Texas.

People over the age of 65 are the fastest growing age group in the state — which could mean a greater need for services like hospice and palliative care. A new partnership between two nonprofits could expand services in North Texas.

Last month, Gov. Greg Abbott announced a freeze on H-1B visas for public universities and state agencies — just a few months after the Trump administration increased the application fee from $5,000 to $100,000. Texas health care leaders warn changes could have a negative impact on the state's health care workforce.

Texas proposed increases to Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain ambulance services. During a public rate hearing, providers said the higher rates could help maintain access to critical services, especially in rural areas.

There's a nationwide shortage of nurses who can provide sexual assault care. A recent UT Arlington study found rural nurses encounter unique challenges when trying to access training to fill that gap.

Texas is set to receive the largest award from the federal Rural Health Transformation Program — with federal officials awarding $1.4 billion to the state over five years. The state received millions more in funding that it asked for in its application.

A council majority voted to approve all three requests by Craver Ranch developer Old Prosper Partners for amendments to the city’s 2040 comprehensive plan and mobility plan and a zoning change from rural agricultural to planned development.

A national survey found the smallest business owners are feeling less confident as they close out the year. Inflation, tariffs and shifts in consumer spending are some of the reasons why.

About 1,500 rural hospitals were eligible to convert to “Rural Emergency Hospitals” beginning in 2020. Researchers at UT Arlington want to take a closer look at the 40 hospitals that entered the program to understand whether it has improved access to care in rural communities.

Texas' application for the Rural Health Transformation program requests $200 million every year of the five-year program. The state is proposing the "Rural Texas Strong" project, which includes a range of proposals to improve health care access and quality in rural areas — such as workforce development and utilizing AI.