Rural Dispatch: Feb. 28, 2023

Community Resurrects Colorado Birth Center Closed by Private Equity Firm
By Claire Cleveland A private equity firm bought a birth center and then shut it down. The community brought it back as a nonprofit.

Public Health Agencies Turn to Locals to Extend Reach Into Immigrant Communities
By Markian Hawryluk Local health departments combat disparities by funding immigrant and minority community groups and letting them decide how best to spend the money.

Republican Lawmakers Shy Away From Changing Montana’s Constitutional Right to Abortion
By Katheryn Houghton Lawmakers in 14 states have passed near-total bans on abortion since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. But in some conservative-led states where court rulings determined their constitutions protect abortion, including Montana, politicians haven’t asked voters to weigh in.

Montana’s Tax-Exempt Hospitals Oppose Increased Oversight by State Officials
By Katheryn Houghton As Montana officials seek to make nonprofit hospitals prove the benefits they provide the community justify their tax exemptions, industry leaders propose their own changes — which state officials say would further limit the state’s authority.

After Capping Insulin Copays, Colorado Sets Its Sights on EpiPens
By Helen Santoro Colorado’s proposed legislation to cap the copay for the EpiPen is part of a nationwide trend as more states try to shield patients from skyrocketing drug prices.

As Pandemic-Era Medicaid Provisions Lapse, Millions Approach a Coverage Cliff
By Phil Galewitz States are trying to reach millions of Medicaid enrollees to make sure those still eligible remain covered and help others find new health insurance.

‘The Country Is Watching’: California Homeless Crisis Looms as Gov. Newsom Eyes Political Future
By Angela Hart As Gov. Gavin Newsom enters his second term, his legacy as governor and path forward in the Democratic Party hinge on his making visible headway on California’s homeless crisis. We lay out the possibilities — and challenges — as he unleashes an $18 billion battle plan.

Montana Considers Allowing Physician Assistants to Practice Independently
By Keely Larson The bill, modeled on laws in North Dakota and Wyoming, is opposed by doctors who say it would let physician assistants practice outside the scope of their training.

It Takes a Village: Foster Program Is a New Model of Care for Indigenous Children
By Arielle Zionts A foster care program on the Cheyenne River Reservation in South Dakota is attracting attention from officials elsewhere as they search for ways to reduce trauma inflicted on Indigenous families, who’ve faced generations of high rates of family separation.

Amid Dire Suicide Rates in Montana, Governor Expands Student Mental Health Screening
By Keely Larson Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte announced a $2.1 million grant using federal aid after state lawmakers rejected a bill that would have essentially addressed the same needs of young people at risk of suicide.

After Staying Away During Pandemic, Doctors Return to Lobby Congress
By Phil Galewitz Hundreds of physicians came to Washington this week to lobby Congress about their “recovery plan” for physicians, which includes a Medicare pay boost and an end to some frustrating insurance company requirements.

Looming Cuts to Emergency SNAP Benefits Threaten Food Security in Rural America
By Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez In a few weeks, pandemic-era emergency boosts to SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, will be rolled back across 32 states, putting more pressure on food pantries to fill the gaps and exacerbating challenges for rural areas, where a greater share of people are enrolled in the program compared with metro areas.

Montana Seeks to Insulate Nursing Homes From Future Financial Crises
By Keely Larson Lawmakers are considering creating standards to set Medicaid reimbursement rates. But industry observers wonder whether the move would be too little, too late to bolster a beleaguered industry.