SUMMARY: Nearly half of Mississippi's rural hospitals are at risk of closure, according to data from the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform. Out of the state's 74 rural hospitals, 34 are struggling financially and 25 are at immediate risk of closing within the next few years. The main reason for these hardships is that health insurance plans are providing insufficient payment for essential services. The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the financial struggles faced by rural hospitals. The Mississippi State Department of Health is working to provide information to the Legislature to make informed decisions regarding healthcare and is looking into revising healthcare infrastructure planning.

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