Changes in Medicaid policy, increasing numbers of uninsured, and disparities in access to health care and health outcomes suggest that health services may not be equitably distributed throughout the nation. This analysis used a combination of measures of health outcome and need to identify and rank the nation's "neediest" communities in terms of relative need for additional health care services. County level data were used from a variety of sources, including the U.S. Census, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Health Resources and Services Administration. Access to care indicators included the ratio of physicians to the population, insurance status, demographic distribution, and poverty status. Health outcome indicators included low birthweight (>2500 grams), infant mortality, and life expectancy. The results of this analysis showed that counties with poor access to care did not necessarily have poor health outcomes, but had differences in access associated with some changes in Medicaid policy. The implications from this analysis suggest that in order to improve the health of our nation, the allocation of federal and state funds may need to be directed to communities with special issues to reflect the relative needs of the communities.
Learning Objectives: During this session, faculty will discuss recent analysis regarding the relationship between measures of relative need and health outcomes
Keywords: Needs Assessment, Underserved
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment