Skip to main content
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Policy

Affordable Care Act & Medicaid Reform in Wisconsin: Enrollment and Coverage Trends, Plans and Premiums Chartpack
Provides an overview of the impact of federal healthcare and Medicaid reform for Wisconsin residents. Discusses trends for health insurance coverage and Medicaid, and describes health insurance plans and premiums. Covers data on health insurance plan selection in 2018 by rural and non-rural.
Date: 11/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute
view details
VA Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks Act of 2018 (VA MISSION Act; P.L.115-182)
Provides an overview of the changes made to the VA MISSION Act, including establishing a permanent Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) and provisions to help recruit and retain healthcare providers. Discusses provisions specific to healthcare access for veterans in rural and underserved areas.
Date: 11/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Congressional Research Service
view details
Understanding Infant and Toddler Child Care Deserts
Examines the availability of licensed infant-toddler child care in 9 states and the District of Columbia, with a focus on how rural communities are disproportionately affected by a limited or complete lack of access to childcare services. Features discussion on consequences of childcare deserts and offers policy recommendations to increase the supply of licensed child care.
Author(s): Steven Jessen-Howard, Rasheed Malik, Simon Workman, Katie Hamm
Date: 10/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Center for American Progress
view details
Supporting Coös Youth on the Path to Adulthood: A Conference for North Country Professionals and Youth Advocates
Report highlights a conference held to support youth and their families in rural Coös County in New Hampshire. Discusses some of the obstacles to development and methods for supporting young people in Coös County.
Date: 10/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Carsey School of Public Policy
view details
State Options for Promoting Recovery among Pregnant and Parenting Women with Opioid or Substance Use Disorder
Reports on interviews with health officials in Texas, Colorado, and Pennsylvania regarding how their states help pregnant women and young mothers with substance use disorders, focusing on opioids. Discusses Medicaid's role, funding sources of state initiatives, medication-assisted treatment, and issues for incarcerated women. Includes considerations and examples related to rural health throughout.
Author(s): Becky Normile, Carrie Hanlon, Hannah Eichner
Date: 10/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: National Academy for State Health Policy
view details
The USDA Summer Food Service Program in Coös County, New Hampshire: Perspectives of Site Sponsors, Program Managers, and Staff on Program Implementation and Operation
Provides a case study of a rural program that provides free lunches to school-age children in the summer. Focuses on how the program works and reports on the experiences of those working with the program. Includes data on food insecurity for children in the U.S. and New Hampshire and an overview of USDA school food programs.
Author(s): Jean Bessette
Date: 10/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Carsey School of Public Policy
view details
Missed Opportunities: Youth Homelessness in Rural America
Examines research related to experiences of rural youth who are homeless. Offers recommendations for policy changes and community responses to address challenges unique to rural areas. Includes a section on homelessness among American Indian and Alaskan Native youth.
Author(s): Matthew Morton, Amy Dworsky, Sonali Patel, Gina M. Samuels
Date: 10/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, Voices of Youth Count
view details
Rental Housing for a 21st Century Rural America: A Platform for Production
Analyzes 7 indicators to describe the supply, demand, and affordability of housing in rural areas by census tracts. Offers suggestions on future rural rental housing needs and policy recommendations.
Author(s): Corianne Scally, Brandi Gilbert, Carl Hedman, Amanda Gold, Lily Posey
Date: 10/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organizations: Housing Assistance Council, Urban Institute
view details
Report to Congress: Rural Community Hospital Demonstration
Summarizes findings from the Rural Community Hospital Demonstration (RCHD) over the twelve years authorized by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA). Reports on the characteristics of the participating hospitals and the effect of the demonstration on hospital finances and other outcomes. Also discusses steps the hospitals expected to take at the end of the demonstration, if it had not been extended for an additional five years by the 21st Century Cures Act of 2016.
Date: 10/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
view details
Addressing Social Determinants of Health Needs of Dually Enrolled Beneficiaries in Medicare Advantage Plans: Findings from Interviews and Case Studies
Examines structures and approaches used by Medicare Advantage (MA) plans for dually enrolled and other high-cost beneficiaries. Includes case studies showcasing care models and how organizations are addressing social determinants of health for these beneficiaries. Discusses some challenges for rural areas and small community partnerships.
Author(s): Melony E. Sorbero, Ashley M. Kranz, Kathryn E. Bouskill, et al.
Date: 10/2018
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
view details