Rural Healthcare Access and Quality
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Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Texas A&M University
Abstract
In the past decade, healthcare access and quality in the U.S. have improved significantly, largely due to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which enabled millions to obtain affordable health insurance. This has facilitated increased access to healthcare services and reduced the burden of uncompensated care. Technological advancements have further enhanced access through telehealth, allowing more Americans to receive timely care. However, disparities in healthcare access and quality persist, particularly in rural areas. Rural Americans often lack health insurance, face travel barriers to care, experience health professional shortages, and are affected by hospital closures. Additionally, inadequate internet and device access limits telehealth’s potential. Similar challenges affect minority groups and those in states without Medicaid expansion. To bridge these gaps, policy changes are essential. Expanding Medicaid, improving internet coverage for telehealth, addressing health professional shortages, supporting rural hospitals, and reducing prescription drug costs are critical steps. Policies like the Inflation Reduction Act are underway, and their impact on rural health must be monitored over the coming decade.
Description
Keywords
Healthcare access, Healthcare quality, Affordable Care Act, Medicaid Expansion
Citation
Callaghan T, Trujillo KL, Lockman A, Falia G. Rural Healthcare Access and Quality. Chapter 3. In: Ferdinand AO, Callaghan T, Bolin JN, Rochford HI, Lockman A, Johnson NY, eds. Rural Healthy People 2030. College Station, TX: Texas A&M University School of Public Health, Southwest Rural Health Research Center; 2023