University of Iowa Researcher Warns Medicaid Cuts Could Complicate Rural Care

A University of Iowa researcher warned that federal Medicaid cuts will make it harder for rural residents to access care, reports News from the States. The study cited in the article found that when rural labor and delivery units close, prenatal care becomes less accessible even when family practice clinics remain available. Residents in affected counties were 24% more likely to have inadequate prenatal care, and Medicaid patients saw even larger declines. In light of federal Medicaid changes possibly forcing more providers to stop taking the insurance, Medicaid patients could have an even harder time finding care they qualify for in the future.