Berkshire Health System’s North Adams Regional Hospital has achieved Critical Access Hospital (CAH) designation from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Being a CAH allows North Adams to receive increased Medicare reimbursement for the care it provides. One of the reasons North Adams closed in 2014 under its previous ownership was because it could not get the CAH designation, which would have helped keep it afloat. Since then, the CAH rules have changed.

Critical Access Hospital designation by CMS is limited to small, rural facilities that meet criteria to qualify for federal support in maintaining services that would otherwise not be financially and/or operationally viable. Berkshire Health Systems reopened North Adams in March 2024, and has been pursuing the CAH designation.

“The enormous support of Congressman Richard Neal, his colleagues in the US House and Senate, our Berkshire state legislative delegation, the municipal leaders in the region, and members of the community at large helped to make this designation possible, and we are honored and grateful that they have entrusted us with the important responsibility of bringing inpatient care back to the Northern Berkshire region,” said Darlene Rodowicz, president and CEO of Berkshire Health System and a member of the MHA Board of Trustees.

Neal, who has been a staunch advocate for the Massachusetts and national hospital community said, “This designation works to resolve stark inequities in rural and underserved communities as it relates to our nation’s health system. I have long advocated for legislation that addresses health equity, allowing everyone to have a fair and just opportunity to achieve their highest level of health, regardless of who they are or where they live. I am pleased that the work of my colleagues in Congress working with the Biden/Harris administration has led to this Critical Access Hospital designation for North Adams Regional Hospital.”