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Why $50 billion in rural health care funding could lead to cutting services

04:28

Aaron Bolton, Montana Public Radio, and Arielle Zionts, KFF

April 06, 2026

A garbage bag hangs from a hospital sign along U.S. 17 in Williamston, N.C., on Thursday, April 11, 2024. (Allen G. Breed/AP)

States are rolling out plans for their share of a $50 billion fund meant to improve rural health care. In some states, the money may provoke rural hospitals to cut services.

Montana Public Radio’s Aaron Bolton and KFF's Arielle Zionts report.

This segment aired on April 6, 2026.

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