I haven't read the actual language of the bill pertaining to Medicaid funding, so I can only hope that the effect on rural hospitals proves exaggerated. A lot of such facilities are already on shaky financial ground, particularly in states whose people have high rates of dependance on Medicare/Medicaid. Apparently this is in no small part because Medicare/Medicaid payout rates to healthcare providers are quite a bit lower to rural providers than urban ones (for the same treatments).

I suspect it would cost a great deal more in the long run to have to bail these providers out (or risk a complete lack of coverage in some rural areas). But again, without looking at a detailed breakdown, I can only speculate. I do know, though, that while America's healthcare system provides good care, the financial side of it is a horrific mess...an albatross around the neck of the economy.