Rural Stress Testing Design Framework

<p dir="ltr">This paper proposes a Rural Stress Testing Framework (RSTF) to assess the real-world impact of Medicare policy changes on rural, regional and remote health systems in Australia. Drawing from established approaches in banking, energy and infrastructure resilience, the framework provides a structured, scenario-based method to test whether reforms support continuity of care, financial viability, workforce flexibility and system safety in thin-market, community-embedded rural settings. Designed for use by policymakers, health departments, and parliamentary committees, the RSTF offers a practical way to embed rural viability and equity into Medicare reform processes - before unintended harm occurs.</p>