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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Access

Expanded Report to Congress: Non-Emergency Medical Transportation in Medicaid, 2018–2021
Examines the Medicaid analysis of non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) using Transformed Medicaid Statistical Information System (T-MSIS) data from 2018-2021. Explores the number and percentage of Medicaid beneficiaries using NEMT, the average number of NEMT "ride days" per NEMT user per month enrolled in Medicaid, the types of medical services accessed when using NEMT, monthly trends in the use of NEMT versus telehealth services before and during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), and the volume of NEMT services used by type of NEMT delivery model. Offers recommendations for states and local stakeholders regarding Medicaid coverage of NEMT. Presents data by state and by beneficiary characteristics, including Medicaid eligibility category, health conditions, and urban-rural location.
Date: 07/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
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Perceived Barriers and Benefits of COVID-19 Testing among Pacific Islanders on Guam
Results of a project aiming to promote COVID-19 testing among Pacific Islanders using culturally relevant community-tailored strategies with culturally and linguistically appropriate educational materials, and to identify the factors associated with COVID-19 testing. Uses data collected from June 2021 to July 2022.
Author(s): Rachael T. Leon Guerrero, Angelina G. Mummert, Dareon C. Rios, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(13), 6302
Date: 07/2023
Type: Document
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Mapping Health Disparities in 11 High-Income Nations
Analyzes 11 high-income countries, including the U.S., for geographic health disparities related to socioeconomics, affordability, and access. Discusses factors where rural residency is either protective or a risk. Compares health disparities of U.S. rural residents with those of the other countries studied.
Author(s): Neil J. MacKinnon, Vanessa Emery, Jennifer Waller, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 6(7)
Date: 07/2023
Type: Document
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Rural Pharmacies Provide Multi-Faceted Value to Rural Communities
Describes the role rural pharmacies can play in the provision of healthcare in rural communities. Describes the challenges faced by rural pharmacies and efforts to address those challenges through partnerships and pharmacist training.
Author(s): Whitney Zahnd
Citation: Rural Monitor
Date: 07/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural Health Information Hub
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Addressing the Opioid Crisis: A Look at the Evolving Landscape of Federal OUD Treatment Policies
Provides an overview of five federal policies that impacted the provision of opioid use disorder (OUD) treatments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Covers regulations related to buprenorphine medication, methadone dispensing programs, overdose prevention and reversal methods, and leveraging Medicaid for pre- and post-release from prison OUD treatment services. Discusses how state laws may limit federal efforts.
Author(s): Heather Saunders, Nirmita Panchal
Date: 07/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: KFF
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Accommodation and Acceptability of Health Care by Non-Metropolitan/Metropolitan and Race/Ethnicity Status
Provides an overview of the "5 A's of Access" in healthcare: availability, accessibility, affordability, accommodation, and acceptability. Uses data from the 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) to explore differences in accommodation and acceptability in rural and urban areas of eight states. Presents data on non-financial reasons for delaying care and satisfaction with the care received by urban/rural status and among rural respondents by race and ethnicity.
Author(s): Whitney E. Zahnd, Radhika Ranganathan, Elizabeth L. Crouch, et al.
Date: 07/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Rural and Minority Health Research Center (formerly the South Carolina Rural Health Research Center)
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Rural Health on Life Support - Episode Three: Medicaid Unwinding
Podcast episode discussing the role of Medicaid in providing health insurance in rural areas. Covers the potential impact of Medicaid cuts on rural areas, the impact of Medicaid expansion on pediatric and maternal outcomes, and Medicaid unwinding after the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Date: 07/2023
Type: Audio
Sponsoring organization: Impact! Communications, Inc.
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Changes in Buprenorphine Visits in Frontier and Remote Locations: Effects of the SARS-COV-2 Pandemic
Evaluated patient appointments offering buprenorphine prescriptions in the 55 weeks before and after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to determine the impact of the pandemic and pandemic-era policies on buprenorphine access for frontier residents in the Great Plains region.
Author(s): Lisa M. McFadden
Citation: Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports, 7, 100155
Date: 06/2023
Type: Document
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Arkansas State Plan on Aging: Fiscal Years 2024-2027
Provides direction for long-term care efforts in the state of Arkansas. Focuses on implementation of the Older American Act (OAA), COVID-19 recovery, equity, access to home and community-based services, and caregiving infrastructure. Highlights population data on rural Arkansas citizens and rural-specific priorities.
Date: 06/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Arkansas Department of Human Services
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The Alaska State Plan for Senior Services FFY 2024 - FFY 2027
Provides an analysis of a statewide initiative to identify the issues and needs of seniors in Alaska to guide the development of senior health and human services in the state. Discusses the demographic trends and needs of this population based on ongoing needs assessment activities. Identifies specific goals, objectives, and performance measures developed by the State Plan for Senior Services Advisory Committee for FFY 2024-2027.
Date: 06/2023
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Alaska Department of Health
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