The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organization’s (SDAHO) President/CEO, Tim Rave brought South Dakota’s rural health care perspective to a national audience during the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Learn Serve Lead 2026 Annual Meeting, held November 6–10 in Anaheim, California.
Rave participated in a session titled “Exploring Hidden Opportunities in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to Improve Rural Health Care,” where discussions focused on federal healthcare policy and the financial challenges facing rural hospitals.
A central message from Rave was that the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, while a significant investment, is not a comprehensive solution to the financial pressures facing rural health care. Much of that funding will not flow directly to hospitals, and broader Medicaid reductions could further complicate efforts to maintain access to care.
“The Rural Health Transformation Program presents important opportunities for South Dakota, but we cannot lose sight of the financial realities facing rural hospitals. Long-term stability requires more than a one-time investment. We need sustainable solutions that protect access to health care in our rural communities.” Tim Rave, SDAHO President/CEO
Rave’s participation helped bring the realities of rural healthcare delivery in South Dakota into a national conversation about the future of healthcare funding and access.
