Issue Brief: Insurance Coverage and Access to Care in Primary Care Shortage Areas

An issue brief by the Kaiser Family Foundation examines insurance coverage and access to care among the nonelderly who live in geographical primary care health professional shortage areas (HPSA). The analysis found that when compared with those who live outside geographical HPSAs, these individuals were more likely to be uninsured or be covered by government insurance and to have a chronic condition. The authors discuss the need to address healthcare workforce shortages to meet both current and future demand for services in these areas and suggest several policy options to consider. The brief is a concise summary of many issues familiar to The Rural Voice readers and rural communities. Download the report.