Community Hospital of McCook announced today that they will close Curtis Medical Center, located in Curtis. The exact date for the closure is to be determined.
In the press release, Community Hospital cited inflation and the uncertainty of its federal funding as the reasons for closure.
“We are deeply grateful to the Curtis community for their unwavering support and trust over 30 years,” Troy Bruntz, President and CEO of Community Hospital, said. “This clinic has been a vital part of our mission to deliver quality healthcare close to home. Unfortunately, the current financial environment, driven by anticipated federal budget cuts to Medicaid, has made it impossible for us to continue operating all of our services, many of which have faced significant financial challenges for years. We remain committed to supporting our patients through this transition and ensuring continuity of care.”
Community Hospital will work with patients and staff for a transition of services and guidance on alternative care options in the area.
The Curtis Medical Center provides routine healthcare services for the Curtis and citizens of Frontier County, alongside student health services for students attending the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.
In their financial statement for last available financial year (ending June 30, 2024), Community Hospital brought in 6% of their $62 Million in patient service revenue from Medicaid, with about $4.1 Million coming into the hospital from the program. The Hospital operated at a loss of $1.67 Million for that financial year as well. Figures were not available for the most recent financial year (ending June 30, 2025).
In an opinion piece published in the Nebraska Examiner in February, Nebraska Hospital Association President president Jeremy Nordquist said that Medicaid pays for 26% of all emergency room visits in rural hospitals, alongside 33% of all births and 44% of all services to minors. He also said that 54% of rural, independent critical access hospitals are operating at a loss.
For more information or assistance, patients are encouraged to contact Community Hospital at (308) 344-2650.
