Healthcare Access in Rural Communities – News
News stories from the past 60 days.
Nov 11, 2024 - Highlights challenges for rural Washington healthcare facilities in offering labor and delivery services. Discusses challenges with maintaining healthcare quality, maternal care deserts, financial challenges and sustainability, and the impact of labor and delivery services on community vitality.
Source: Washington State Standard
Oct 29, 2024 - Highlights discussions at the Sanford Health event "Summit on the Future of Rural Health Care" regarding healthcare accessibility and workforce shortages. Discusses reimbursement issues and technology advances that may help close some accessibility gaps.
Source: KELO
Oct 28, 2024 - Announces partnership between the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and StoryCorps to record stories related to rural health triumphs and challenges in honor of National Rural Health Day. Conversations will be recorded virtually in early November and archived at the Library of Congress. Registration is open now and recording slots are available on a first come, first served basis.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Oct 24, 2024 - Iowa legislators have requested the U.S. Government Accountability Office share information regarding access to birth control for Iowan families. Notes the particular barriers for rural families in obtaining safe and effective contraception.
Source: Office of Senator Joni Ernst
Oct 16, 2024 - Announces an amendment to Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) to allow coverage of traditional healthcare practices at Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities, tribal facilities, and urban Indian organizations in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Oregon. The action is expected to improve access to culturally appropriate healthcare. Notes the health disparities for American Indian and Alaska Native populations compared to the general population.
Source: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Oct 14, 2024 - Highlights two mobile clinic programs offering a variety of women's health services, including birth control, to rural communities in Texas and Arkansas. Notes that mobile clinics can help improve access to women's health services in rural areas, but are often expensive to operate. Describes funding strategies, community partnerships, legal considerations, and the utilization of community health workers for mobile clinic programs.
Source: KFF Health News
Oct 11, 2024 - Reports on the increased vulnerability to heat for older residents with more limited healthcare access in Tennessee. Notes that Tennessee has had the second highest number of rural hospital closures since 2010. Discusses other variables not studied which may also impact vulnerability.
Source: Tennessee Lookout
Sep 24, 2024 - Announces funding for supporting rural health care from the Health Resources and Services Administration. The funding prioritizes maternal health, behavioral health, and expanding access to care.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Sep 23, 2024 - New rural hospitals are being built in Wyoming and Kansas despite the national trend of rural hospital closures. Discusses federal funding sources and the impact of limited access to hospital services for rural residents.
Source: USA Today, KFF Health News
Last Updated: 11/12/2024