Health care reform can begin in rural America.

However, merely living in rural America today increases the risk of being uninsured. This is primarily because the rural economy tends to be dominated by smaller employers and the self-employed, and because rural residents are more likely to work for low-wage employers. Both small and low wage employers are less likely to offer health insurance.

 The NRHA supports an Interest Group on Universal Access. This group has the a primary focus on eliminating financial barriers to access health care. The group analyzes and supports efforts to provide universal health care; both recent state solutions as in Maine, proposals to cover all residents under consideration in numerous states as well as federal programs and initiatives.

For additional legislative or regulatory questions regarding health care reform, please contact Maggie Elehwany at: Elehwany@NRHArural.org