Rural hospitals are economic engines of their communities - nearly 720k people, or about 12% of Colorado’s population, live in rural or frontier counties. Rural hospitals employ 16,000 people and contribute $6.6 billion in indirect economic impact.
It's National Rural Health Day! Did you know that half of Colorado’s 88 acute care hospitals are located in rural or frontier counties? These hospitals are more than just health care locations – they are economic anchors: many are the largest employer in their counties, helping recruit business, schools, and more to their communities.
Colorado’s hospitals have become the state’s pressure valve – absorbing financial strain from uninsured patients, insurers, and policymakers alike. Charity care has skyrocketed up 123% since 2021, with a 60% increase in 2024 and another 17% jump in early 2025, underscoring the growing strain on hospitals as more Coloradans lose access to affordable coverage.
“Even worse than we thought”: Colorado is stuck in a cycle of annual, $1B state budget shortfalls
coloradosun.com
Each year the cycle continues, state lawmakers will have fewer ways to address the gap without cutting state programs and services. Skyrocketing Medicaid costs are primarily to blame.