Human Services News

Rural Policy Research Institute - Issue Brief

The National Rural Health Association, a non-profit association that has been advocating for rural health issues for nearly 30 years, has long been aware that rural areas experience higher rates of poverty, fewer employer insurance programs and proportionately larger elderly populations.

It serves as a stark reminder that rural communities must closely monitor any changes to Medicaid because of the critical role Medicaid plays in ensuring access to care.

This is of utmost importance as states consider new options available to them under the Deficit Reduction Act, which the President signed into law on February 8, 2006.

Physicians in rural communities are more affected by Medicaid payments where it counts for 20 percent of their revenue base, as compared to urban doctors where Medicaid is only 15 percent of their revenues.

"We need to continue to keep a close eye on Medicaid changes in order to make sure that there are no adverse effects on the health coverage currently in place for rural Americans."

The NRHA calls on its members, state and local government officials and other concerned citizens to closely monitor changes to the Medicaid program in order to ensure that it continues to serve as an important source of health coverage in rural areas.