Examining the relationship between rural residents' satisfaction with local hospital's COVID-19 response and intention to use the hospital.

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of having emergency and acute care services close to home and emerged as an opportunity for hospital-community engagement. This study examined whether rural residents' satisfaction with their local hospital's pandemic response was associated with improved community perception of the hospital and an intention to use it in the future.

Methods: Data for the study were obtained from a survey of rural residents of 6 Georgia rural communities and analyzed using multivariable logistic regression and mediation analyses.

COVID-19 and social determinants of health: Medicaid managed care organizations' experiences with addressing member social needs.

Background: The significant adverse social and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has cast broader light on the importance of addressing social determinants of health (SDOH). Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MMCOs) have increasingly taken on a leadership role in integrating medical and social services for Medicaid members. However, the experiences of MMCOs in addressing member social needs during the pandemic has not yet been examined.

Assessment of the Financial Health of Rural Hospitals After Implementation of the Georgia Rural Hospital Tax Credit Program.

Importance: In 2016, Georgia implemented the Rural Hospital Tax Credit Program, which allows taxpayers to receive a tax credit for contributions to qualifying rural hospitals in the state. Empirical evidence of the program's association with the viability of the state's rural hospitals is needed.

Objective: To examine the association of the tax credit program with the financial health of participating rural hospitals.

Georgia Rural Hospital Tax Credit: Perspectives of Rural Health Executives.

Purpose: In 2016, Georgia implemented a rural hospital tax credit program through a legislative mandate that allows individuals and corporations to donate to qualifying rural hospitals in exchange for state income tax credit. The study examines the importance, success, and challenges of the program, and opportunities for improvement, from the perspective of Georgia rural hospital executives.

Methods: The study was a qualitative study using data from key informant telephone interviews with 21 hospital executives and administrators of eligible rural hospitals.