In the wide and diverse landscape of the United States, rural areas have particular health-care concerns that sometimes go undetected in the larger national debates. These issues are numerous and deeply ingrained in rural America’s physical, economic, and social structures.
Access to healthcare services
One of the most serious concerns is the availability of health-care services. Rural communities often find themselves at a disadvantage as a result of the closing of local hospitals, which has been a concerning trend over the last decade. From 2013 to 2020, more than 100 rural hospitals closed, causing inhabitants to travel longer distances for necessary treatments. This not only increases the time and expense of getting medical attention, but it also presents major hazards in emergency circumstances when every minute matters.
Insurance Coverage and Health Outcome
Insurance coverage, or lack thereof, is another major issue influencing rural health care. Rural communities often have lower rates of insurance coverage, which is associated with limited access to treatment and worse health outcomes. Individuals who do not have insurance may be less likely to seek prompt medical assistance, resulting in aggravated health concerns that need more difficult and expensive therapies.
Telehealth: A Double-edged Sword
Telehealth has emerged as a potentially viable solution to the rural health care provider shortage. However, this innovation does not come without its problems. As of 2019, at least 17% of rural populations lacked broadband internet connectivity, which is required for telehealth services, compared to just 1% in cities. This digital gap inhibits telehealth’s usefulness as an alternative to in-person treatment. Offering rural Americans free internet access is one way the government can help.
Disproportionate effects on some populations
Certain populations in rural settings, such as pregnant women, American Indians and Alaska Natives, and veterans, have even greater challenges. For example, more than half of rural counties lacked hospital-based obstetric care in 2018, and the estimated supply of OB/GYNs by 2030 will barely fulfill half of the demand in these locations. This shortfall may result in more preterm deliveries and more travel for obstetric treatment, both of which may have a negative impact on mother-and-baby health outcomes.
Economic and Lifestyle Factors
Economic and lifestyle variables contribute significantly to rural health inequalities. Rural Americans are more likely to die prematurely from common causes of mortality, such as heart disease, cancer, lung disease, and stroke. They are also more likely to be obese and diabetic, as well as to die in vehicle accidents, commit suicide, or overdose on drugs. These numbers serve as a sharp reminder of the intricate relationship between geography, lifestyle, and health. We need to act quickly to raise awareness of rural health care issues across the country in light of these facts.
The Road Ahead
Addressing the health care concerns that afflict rural areas in America requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including legislators, health care professionals, and local leaders. Solutions must be adapted to rural populations’ distinct demands, taking into consideration their variety and special issues.
Efforts to enhance rural health care should prioritize improving access to medical services, expanding insurance coverage, bridging the digital gap for efficient telehealth deployment, and meeting the needs of the most vulnerable populations. Furthermore, tackling the underlying economic and lifestyle variables that lead to health inequities is critical to building a healthier rural America.
As the country progresses, it is critical that the health care needs of rural populations are not overlooked. By shedding light on these concerns and collaborating to find long-term solutions, we can work toward a future in which every American, regardless of where they reside, has access to the health care they deserve.
References:
- US Government Accountability Office study on rural healthcare access.
- A National Institutes of Health News piece on rural health.
