Many people living in rural areas can't remember the last time they saw a doctor. Their long periods between check-ups may be due to a limited number of healthcare providers in the area, distance to providers, access to transportation, lack of health insurance, or even cultural differences.
Only about ten percent of physicians practice in rural America, even though one-fourth of the population lives in these communities. As a result, it is a challenge for patients to seek care in a timely manner. Unlike their urban counterparts, rural Americans are more likely to go without the care they need to stay healthy. In fact, they less often have health insurance, qualify for Medicaid benefits, visit a physician regularly, obtain preventive care or exams, participate in routine testing, or fulfill prescription medicines.
Adding to this concern is the fact that rural Americans are at risk for more chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, than people living in urban areas. These conditions frequently lead to hospitalization because of the lack of timely and effective preventative care, all contributing to rising healthcare costs.
Fortunately, resources are available that can help rural Americans gain better access to health services, while helping to keep costs down. First, community health centers are opening up in many rural communities across America - providing access to vital care for the more than 17 million people with limited financial resources. Free prescription assistance programs like Together Rx Access can also help uninsured rural residents save on their medicines. And, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA), a clearinghouse for more than 475 public and private assistance programs, including nearly 200 offered by pharmaceutical companies, can help people find out if they qualify for free medicines or connect them to free health clinics in their community.
In addition, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes certain key provisions aimed at helping Americans afford health coverage. The goal of this law is to expand coverage to 32 million uninsured individuals, many of whom are likely to live in rural America. As a result, rural Americans should be informed about how the ACA will impact them and their families. Many valuable resources are available online. You can find a collection of these at the Healthcare Reform page on TogetherRxAccess.com.
At the NRHA, our charge is to continue to spread the word about these resources to ensure that all rural Americans are given a better chance at leading healthy lives.