Glenn County’s only hospital, Glenn Medical Center, closed its doors on September 30 after losing a federal designation critical to its financial survival. The closure has left thousands of residents without nearby emergency care and sparked bipartisan efforts in Congress to reverse the decision.
The hospital lost its status as a Critical Access Hospital (CAH)—a designation that allows rural facilities to receive enhanced Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements—after federal officials determined it was just 32 miles from the nearest alternative care facility. Current rules require a minimum distance of 35 miles to qualify.
Local leaders and residents of the area have rallied around the issue, launching the “Save Glenn Medical Center” campaign to advocate for federal action.
In response, U.S. Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) have introduced legislation that would amend the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Program. Their bill would allow hospitals that were designated as CAHs before January 1, 2024, and later found out of compliance, to retain their status. The measure is now under review by the Senate Finance Committee. Meanwhile, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) is exploring additional legislative solutions to address the mileage requirement that led to the hospital’s closure.
Glenn Medical Center had served the region for over two decades and was one of 40 CAH-designated hospitals in California. Its closure underscores the challenges rural communities face in maintaining access to essential healthcare services and the importance of flexible policy solutions that reflect local realities.
For more information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, Sarah Dukett.