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2026 State Report Card Highlights Challenges in U.S. Care Affordability and Access

2026 State Report Card Highlights Challenges in U.S. Care Affordability and Access

The Century Foundation has released its 2026 State Report Card on Care Affordability and Access, evaluating the progress of U.S. states in providing care services. The report highlights significant federal funding cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and other programs, which have strained state budgets and impacted care accessibility. Despite these challenges, some states have made strides in enacting policies to support care workers and improve care services, reflecting public demand for better care infrastructure.

Intermountain Health Opens New District Clinic in Henderson to Expand Healthcare Access

Intermountain Health Opens New District Clinic in Henderson to Expand Healthcare Access

Intermountain Health has inaugurated its new District Clinic in Henderson, Nevada, a 45,000-square-foot facility aimed at enhancing healthcare access by consolidating multiple services in one location. The clinic, located at 2350 Corporate Circle Drive, offers senior primary care, oncology, children's health, wound care, and palliative care. These services are new to southern Nevada under Intermountain Health's umbrella. The organization emphasizes its commitment to increasing access to quality care, focusing on primary care physicians and regular visits to maintain community health. The facility is designed to provide convenient healthcare access, supporting preventive care and screenings to keep patients healthy and out of hospitals.

Florida Lawmakers Push for Federal Approval of Physician Training Funds Amid Doctor Shortage

Florida Lawmakers Push for Federal Approval of Physician Training Funds Amid Doctor Shortage

Florida's congressional delegation, led by U.S. Rep. Aaron Bean, is advocating for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to approve and renew Medicaid funding for physician residency programs. This initiative is in response to a projected shortage of doctors in the state. The Florida Hospital Association has collaborated with Bean to gather support for a letter urging CMS to work with the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration on funding several graduate medical education programs. These programs are crucial as they provide supervised clinical training for physicians post-medical school, with Medicaid currently supporting over 7,000 medical residents in Florida. The association highlights that more than 60% of these residents remain in the communities where they train, thus playing a vital role in the state's healthcare workforce. However, Florida has been disadvantaged by an outdated Medicare funding formula that favors states with more established residency programs, despite its pop...

Margaret Mary Health Opens New $125 Million Hospital in Batesville, Indiana

Margaret Mary Health Opens New $125 Million Hospital in Batesville, Indiana

Margaret Mary Health has inaugurated a new $125 million hospital in Batesville, Indiana, marking a significant investment in the region's healthcare infrastructure. The grand opening was attended by Indiana Governor Mike Braun, U.S. Representative Erin Houchin, and various community leaders, donors, and project partners. The new facility is designed to enhance the delivery of healthcare services by providing state-of-the-art spaces for physicians, nurses, and therapists to collaborate effectively. This development comes at a time when many rural hospitals across the United States are facing financial challenges. The hospital's construction was supported by the Margaret Mary Health Foundation, which raised $10.7 million from community donors. The new building replaces the original hospital that has served the community since 1932, continuing the legacy of providing healthcare to southeastern Indiana.

ACA Marketplace Enrollment Declines as Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expire

ACA Marketplace Enrollment Declines as Enhanced Premium Tax Credits Expire

In 2026, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplaces experienced a significant decline in enrollment following the expiration of enhanced premium tax credits. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, enrollment fell by nearly three million people from 2025 to 2026. The effectuation rate, which measures the percentage of enrollees who maintain their coverage by paying premiums, also decreased. States that implemented their own subsidy programs, like New Mexico, saw higher effectuation rates and smaller enrollment declines. The expiration of federal tax credits led to increased premium payments, contributing to the drop in enrollment as many consumers faced higher costs.

Virginia Hospitals Strain Under 50% Increase in Uninsured ER Visits, Clinic Closures Follow

Virginia Hospitals Strain Under 50% Increase in Uninsured ER Visits, Clinic Closures Follow

Virginia is experiencing a significant increase in uninsured emergency room visits, with a nearly 50% rise reported by the Virginia Hospital and Health Care Association. This surge has placed a substantial financial burden on the healthcare system, as hospitals are legally required to treat all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Consequently, the Virginia Community Health Care Association has reported the closure of eight school-based health clinics in Southwest Virginia due to financial pressures. The expiration of expanded tax credits for the Affordable Care Act has further exacerbated the situation, increasing the uninsured patient base from 14% to 17%. Additionally, upcoming federal health policies, including stricter Medicaid work requirements, are expected to further reduce coverage, potentially forcing thousands off Medicaid and leading to significant funding cuts for hospitals.

North Star Health Alliance Faces Community Backlash Over Service Cuts

North Star Health Alliance Faces Community Backlash Over Service Cuts

North Star Health Alliance is facing significant community pushback following its announcement of cuts to health services in the Carthage area, including the closure of a sleep center and the elimination of primary care and physical therapy services. During a public hearing, community members, elected officials, and a congressional candidate expressed concerns about the impact of these cuts on rural healthcare access. North Star's CEO, Andrew Manzer, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, citing financial pressures and the challenges facing rural health systems.

Nonprofit Healthcare Groups Face Increased Pressure Amid Rising Costs

Nonprofit Healthcare Groups Face Increased Pressure Amid Rising Costs

A recent study by the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America reveals that fewer than half of Americans can consistently afford healthcare, intensifying the strain on nonprofit healthcare organizations. The study, conducted between October and December 2025, shows that only 49% of U.S. adults are classified as 'Cost Secure,' meaning they can afford quality care and necessary medications. This marks a decline from 56% in 2021. The study highlights significant disparities among racial groups, with only 38% of Black adults and 32% of Hispanic adults being Cost Secure, compared to 55% of White adults. The findings indicate a growing challenge for nonprofit healthcare providers as more Americans struggle to afford healthcare.

Wyoming's Maternity Care Shortage Puts Pressure on OB-GYNs and Patients

Wyoming's Maternity Care Shortage Puts Pressure on OB-GYNs and Patients

In Casper, Wyoming, a significant shortage of obstetricians and gynecologists is causing strain on the remaining practitioners and impacting patient care. Dr. Susan Sheridan, one of the two remaining OB-GYNs in the area, describes the overwhelming schedule as unsustainable. The number of OB-GYNs in Wyoming's second-largest city has decreased from six to two, leading to increased on-call duties and delayed non-urgent services. This shortage is part of a broader issue in Wyoming, where several hospitals have closed their labor and delivery wards, leaving only 16 birthing hospitals across the state. The situation is exacerbated by financial challenges and difficulties in recruiting new doctors to rural areas.

Iowa's New Medical School to Address Physician Shortage

Iowa's New Medical School to Address Physician Shortage

The University of Dubuque is set to open the John and Alice Butler College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2028, marking Iowa's first new medical school in 125 years. The school will offer a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree, focusing on a holistic approach to healthcare. This initiative aims to address the physician shortage in Iowa, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The college's founding dean, Dr. Jeanne Rupert, emphasizes the importance of training physicians who are equipped to provide comprehensive care, integrating body, mind, and spirit in their practice.

Nonprofit Healthcare Groups Struggle as Fewer Americans Afford Care

Nonprofit Healthcare Groups Struggle as Fewer Americans Afford Care

New data from the West Health-Gallup Affordability Index reveals that fewer than half of Americans can consistently afford healthcare, placing additional pressure on nonprofit healthcare systems. As of 2025, only 49% of U.S. adults are classified as 'Cost Secure,' meaning they can afford access to quality care and have been able to pay for visits and prescriptions recently. This marks a decline from 56% in 2021 and a peak of 61% in 2022. The decline in affordability is particularly pronounced among Black and Hispanic adults, with only 38% and 32% respectively classified as Cost Secure, compared to 55% of White adults. The study, conducted by the West Health-Gallup Center on Healthcare in America, highlights the growing financial strain on Americans and the nonprofit healthcare sector.

Persad Center Enhances Mental Health Support Access During Pittsburgh Foundation's Giving Day

Persad Center Enhances Mental Health Support Access During Pittsburgh Foundation's Giving Day

The Persad Center in Lawrenceville is actively working to improve access to mental health support services. As part of the Pittsburgh Foundation's One Day of Giving on August 4, the center is one of the organizations that will benefit from donations. This initiative aims to bolster the resources available for mental health care, ensuring that more individuals in the community can receive the support they need. The Persad Center's efforts are part of a broader movement to address mental health challenges in the region, providing crucial services to those affected.