Rural Health Disparities on the Rise in US
The number of people living in rural areas without access to hospital care is growing. This is because many small-town hospitals are closing down. According to a new report, more than 100 rural hospitals have shut their doors since 2005.
These closures leave residents with limited options for medical treatment. In some cases, patients must travel long distances to receive care. This can be especially difficult for those who need emergency services or ongoing treatment for chronic conditions.
The issue is not just about access to healthcare. It’s also about the people who are most affected by these hospital closures. Many rural areas have high rates of poverty and unemployment. These communities often struggle to afford health insurance, making it even harder to get medical care when they need it.
The federal government has programs in place to help rural hospitals stay open, such as Medicaid funding. However, many lawmakers argue that these programs are not enough to address the underlying problems facing rural healthcare systems.