Summary
Several U.S. states have released plans for rural health transformation, focusing on telehealth and improved connections between healthcare services. These plans face challenges related to data sharing and funding sustainability. A new group of health tech companies is forming to support these initiatives with technology and expertise.
Key Facts
- States are creating plans to improve rural healthcare, including North Dakota, Missouri, and Mississippi.
- Telehealth and connected networks are key parts of the states' plans.
- There are concerns about the sustainability of projects once initial funding ends.
- $50 billion is allocated for these plans, but it's expected that $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid and CHIP could happen over the next decade.
- Healthcare executives worry about the complexity and cost of building data-sharing systems.
- A coalition of health tech companies called the Collaborative for Healthy Rural America is forming to help states.
- The coalition includes companies that specialize in technology, data, and care coordination.
- The group aims to use shared technology and data to ease access to healthcare nationwide.
