A new report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) examines trends in health care access and outcomes in rural America.
While insurance rates in these areas are improving, challenges persist. The report describes differences in coverage patterns, barriers to care, and health outcomes between urban and rural areas as well as opportunities to further reduce these disparities, including the important role of Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Key findings include:
Medicare Rights agrees with ASPE that an important way “to increase access to care is to expand health insurance coverage.” The ACA and its Medicaid expansion were key successes to reducing the uninsured rates in rural areas. Simplifying Medicare enrollment, easing access to programs like the Medicare Savings Programs that make coverage more affordable, as well as expanding eligibility outreach and enrollment assistance to people in rural areas could further boost coverage rates and access to care. We also support related strategies to improve health outcomes and minimize the disparities between rural and urban areas, such as telehealth, infrastructure improvements, health care workforce programs, and caregiver supports.
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