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Minnesota Rural Hospital Flexibility (Flex) Program and Critical Access Hospital Information
The Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility (Flex) Program was created by Congress to improve access and quality and relieve some of the financial pressures on rural hospitals and emergency medical services.
Each state began participating in this program by developing and approving a Rural Health Plan. Minnesota's initial rural health plan was approved in July 1998 and updated in 2004. Federal funding is available on a competitive basis to support state flex programs. The Minnesota Department of Health-Office of Rural Health and Primary Care (ORHPC) has applied for and received federal funds since the implementation of the program. The ORHPC Flex program assists rural communities through grant programs, technical assistance, research, work groups and special initiatives.
Resources for rural hospitals can be found on the MDH Web site here: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/orhpc/flex/index.html.
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