The American Prospect | R Franca/Nurphoto/AP
If the 190 rural hospitals estimated in a recent Center for American Progress report as collateral damage of the Republican cuts close, all of their patients must find treatment at the remaining health care providers. Many of these new-arrival patients are likely to be uninsured (many thrown off Medicaid or Obamacare by Republicans), crushing hospital finances and potentially adding more closures on top. This means overcrowded hospitals and overburdened staff, in addition to the serious hardships for patients traveling long distances for care.