A deal that allowed the merger of two insurance companies includes funding to help 36 rural
hospitals in Georgia create
telemedicine centers, but it’s uncertain how many in Middle Georgia will get a center. From
the Macon Telegraph:
The state classifies 67 hospitals as rural, meaning only about half will get the telemedicine assistance. Georgia
Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine said a tentative list of the hospitals has been formed, but the list will not be
released until it is finalized. But that didn’t stop hospital officials from being excited about the prospects. The
deal also provides funding for other improvements in rural medicine.
”We think it’s a major win for rural hospitals across the state, especially when you see how many are struggling
financially,” said Kevin Bloye, a spokesman for the Georgia Hospital Association. “I can assure that the ones that do
get assistance, it’s going to provide some much-needed help.”
The $126.5 million in funds are the result of a deal that allowed the merger of California-based
WellPoint Health Networks Inc. and Indiana-based
Anthem Inc. Georgia was the last state to sign off on the
deal. Oxendine said he approved the merger after the companies agreed to provide the rural hospital funding.
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