CMS recognizes that more than 61 million Americans live in rural areas, including rural areas, tribal areas, frontier areas, and geographically isolated areas. These Americans face some unique challenges in health care that can vary greatly across different types of rural communities across the country. Rural residents tend to be older and in poorer health than their urban counterparts, and rural communities face challenges in access to care, financial viability, and the critical link between health care and economic development. often do.
A CMS Framework for Advancing Healthcare in Rural, Tribal and Geographically Isolated Communities (PDF)
CMS uses policymaking, program design, strategic We recognize the need to apply a community-informed geographic lens to the planning process. . Participants in listening sessions and federal partners from across the country will engage individuals with practical experience of receiving and supporting health care services in rural areas to understand their needs and CMS programs and policies in these areas. He stressed the importance of a deeper understanding of impacts. Therefore, CMS should ensure that the perspectives of members of rural, tribal and geographically isolated communities and those who serve these communities are included in discussions and policy considerations when working to improve quality, outcomes and access to health care. We are working hard to ensure that it is reflected. This framework outlines six priority areas for how CMS will continue to focus on these efforts.
Read the Local Health Equity Briefing Paper (PDF)
Rural Health Council
In 2016, CMS established Local Health Councils to address three strategic dimensions:
- Improve access to care for rural Americans.
- Support a unique economy that provides healthcare in rural America.and
- Align the medical innovation agenda with the local healthcare market.
CMS, with the support of the Local Health Council, has led efforts to involve stakeholders, especially those serving rural areas, in all three focus areas. In October 2016, the Council hosted the 1st Rural Health Solutions Summit to foster dialogue on how his CMS policies and programs will impact rural communities. CMS continues to engage with stakeholders through the Rural Health Open Door Forum, which addresses issues affecting rural health clinics, emergency access hospitals, and federally qualified health centers. CMS also has a rural health coordinator within each regional office to provide technical, policy and operational support on rural health issues.
Maternal and child health care in rural areas
A key objective of the CMS Rural Health Strategy is to leverage partnerships with stakeholders at the regional, state and local levels as well as nationally. One element of her accomplishing this is working closely with partners and stakeholders to raise awareness about maternal health and access to care in rural areas. This section contains resources related to improving maternal health outcomes in rural areas.
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rural health resources
Find resources to help improve access to healthcare for people in rural areas.
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reports and publications
Find data relevant to improving healthcare access, quality and outcomes for people in rural areas.
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Sign up for the opportunity and contact the CMS Rural Health Coordinator. To receive the latest news on rural health policies and programs, sign up For rural health listservs.
