A new report from UnitedHealth Group highlights challenges that people in rural areas have in getting access to health care, and ways in which new laws will affect those living outside of city centers.
The nationwide survey from the company's Center for Health Reform and Modernization found that rural patients:
• Travel an average of 60 miles to get specialty care, compared with 6 miles for urban dwellers.
• Rely more on government programs for children, seniors and low-income people.
• Have a disproportionate share of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Are slightly more likely to be uninsured: about 20 percent vs. 18 percent among people in cities.
• Are less likely to have coverage through an employer.
• Are less "wired" for telemedicine: 60 percent have broadband capacity vs. 70 percent in urban areas.
