September 15, 2025 News Update: Rural Health Appropriations, a Rise in Service Closures & Reopening an ER after Oklahoma Tornados

Rural Health News is a weekly segment of Rural Health Today, a podcast by Hillsdale Hospital. News sources for this episode: KFF, “House Committee on Appropriations Approves FY 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor HHS) Appropriations Bill & Accompanying Report,” September 11, 2025, https://www.kff.org/global-health-policy/house-committee-on-appropriations-approves-fy-2026-labor-health-and-human-services-education-and-related-agencies-labor-hhs-appropriations-bill-accompanying-report/. Saving Rural Hospitals, “Stopping the Loss of Rural Maternity Care,” 2025, https://ruralhospitals.chqpr.org/Maternity_Care.html. Kristen Jordan Shamus, Beki San Martin, “Hospital in Michigan's U.P. to close birthing unit, widening gaps in access to care,” September 9, 2025, https://www.freep.com/story/news/health/2025/09/08/aspirus-ironwood-hospital-closes-birthing-unit-shortage-cuts-michigan/85997851007/, Detroit Free Press. Madeline Ashley, “US maternity care cuts continue to deepen,” September 5, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/us-maternity-care-cuts-continue-to-deepen/?origin=BHRE&utm_source=BHRE&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&oly_enc_id=8018I7467278H7C, Becker’s Hospital Review. Jakob Emerson, “CMS issues guidance on Medicaid state-directed payment limits,” September 11, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/cms-issues-guidance-on-medicaid-state-directed-payment-limits/, Becker’s Hospital Review. Andrew Cass, “15 hospitals closing departments or ending services,” September 10, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/finance/10-hospitals-closing-departments-or-ending-services-8/, Becker’s Hospital Review. Mariah Taylor, “Oklahoma hospital reopens ED 1 year after tornado,” September 3, 2025, https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/uncategorized/oklahoma-hospital-reopens-ed-1-year-after-tornado/?origin=BHRE&utm_source=BHRE&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&oly_enc_id=8018I7467278H7C, Becker’s Hospital Review. Mercy Health/Love County Hospital and Clinic, “New Emergency Room Is Open 24 Hours a Day,” September 2, 2025, https://www.mercyhealthlovecounty.com/news/view/731. Rural Health Today is a production of Hillsdale Hospital in Hillsdale, Michigan and a member of the Health Podcast Network. Our host is JJ Hodshire, our producer is Kyrsten Newlon, and our audio engineer is Kenji Ulmer. Special thanks to our special guests for sharing their expertise on the show, and also to the Hillsdale Hospital marketing team. If you want to submit a question for us to answer on the podcast or learn more about Rural Health Today, visit ruralhealthtoday.com.