Lack of healthcare in rural areas — 5 things to know

Practice Management

A recent poll commissioned by Healthcare Georgia foundation revealed a need for affordable and quality healthcare in rural areas. The results are reflecting a nationwide trend for a lack of healthcare in rural areas, according to Ledger-Enquirer.

Here are five things to know:

 

1. The polls were reported in the Albany Herald because southwest Georgia is one of the poorest parts of the United States.

 

2. In the last two-and-a-half years, four rural hospitals have closed in Georgia. Of Georgia's 2 million residents, a reported 40 percent claimed they do not have health insurance and therefore are not likely to seek preventive and/or maintenance care.

 

3. The majority of respondents cited cost as a barrier to receiving healthcare.

 

4. More than three-fourths reported there was a shortage of medical providers. Half of respondents claimed their communities needed a clinic.

 

5. Georgia's hospitals are not  receiving additional money through the Affordable Care Act because the state rejected Medicaid expansion.

 

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