Our Commitment to the Community

You May Have Heard…

Wayne HealthCare was recently included on a list of hospitals considered “at risk” if proposed Medicaid funding cuts are passed. These changes are still under review, and we want to be transparent about where we stand and what we do.

Here's What You Should Know:

Wayne HealthCare is not closing.
We are here, we are strong, and we are taking active steps to remain a vital part of the community for years to come.

Read the full press release here.

Legislative Updates That Impact Our Community Hospital

At Wayne HealthCare, we’re committed to staying informed — and keeping you informed — about decisions made at the state and federal levels that affect how we deliver care locally. Below are two recent developments that help shape the future of healthcare in Ohio and across the country:

Ohio State Budget (FY 2026–2027)

Governor Mike DeWine recently signed the new state operating budget into law. This budget includes funding and policy changes that directly affect hospitals, particularly those serving rural areas like ours. From workforce development to infrastructure planning, several components of this budget support the ongoing delivery of high-quality care in local communities.

Read more about the Ohio budget here.

Federal Legislation: “One Big Beautiful Bill” (House Bill 1)

At the federal level, House Bill 1 — also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill” — has been passed by Congress and signed into law. This legislation includes a wide range of provisions that impact healthcare policy nationwide, including changes that could affect hospital operations, insurance coverage, and funding structures. While the bill is broad in scope, its impact on rural hospitals will continue to unfold in the months ahead.

Read the full federal bill text here.

We will continue to monitor how these changes may impact care delivery in our region and update this page with any future developments.

What We’re Doing to Protect Our Future

• Transitioned to a Critical Access Hospital (CAH)
  As a Critical Access Hospital, we provide essential inpatient and outpatient services in a rural setting. This designation helps us keep care local by qualifying for enhanced Medicare reimbursements, which support our operations and allow us to continue offering timely care, locally and close to home.

• Advocating at the State and Federal Level
  Our leadership team closely monitors proposed Medicaid changes and engages directly with elected officials and advocacy groups to ensure that rural hospitals like ours are not overlooked.

• Positioning for Long-Term Stability
  Through thoughtful partnerships and forward-focused planning, we are committed to long-term stability while remaining a trusted cornerstone of health and well-being in Darke County.

View the full episode here.

What Matters Most: You

While the headlines may raise concerns, our focus hasn’t changed:

• We remain committed to delivering high-quality care, close to home.

• We continue to support the dedicated employees who make our care possible.

• We are working hard to protect access for the families who rely on us.

Advocating for Rural Healthcare

WASHINGTON D.C. AND THE AHA RURAL HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

With healthcare consistently in the national spotlight, conversations around budgets, funding cuts, and reforms are ongoing at both the state and federal levels. Rural healthcare remains a key part of these discussions. While outcomes are still uncertain and policy decisions continue to evolve, Wayne HealthCare remains grounded in its mission: delivering quality care and promoting wellness close to home.

The senior leadership team is taking a proactive role in advocating for the future of rural healthcare. Through collaboration with the Ohio Hospital Association (OHA) and the American Hospital Association (AHA), the organization is sharing its story by highlighting the critical role rural hospitals play as care providers, economic drivers, and community anchors.

Read the full article here.

Additional Resources

• American Hospital Association
• American Hospital Association Fact Sheet: Telehealth
• Medicaid Coverage Supports Rural Patients, Hospitals, and Communities
• Myth vs. Fact: Nonprofit Hospitals' Tax-Exempt Status
• Ohio Hospital Association
• Ohio Medicaid Fact Sheet
• American Hospital Association Rural Hospitals at Risk: Cuts to Medicaid Would Further Threaten Access

Stay Informed

We’re watching this situation closely as the Senate considers potential funding changes over the summer. We’ll continue to advocate on behalf of rural hospitals like ours and we’ll keep you updated here as more information becomes available. In the meantime, thank you for trusting Wayne HealthCare—we’re proud to care for you and your family.