Is access to home health care a problem in rural areas?

Abstract

In 1987, urban Medicare beneficiaries were 13.7% more likely than their rural counterparts to use Medicare home health care services. Regression analysis shows that rural use rates, particularly those in sparsely populated areas, fall short of those in urban areas, other things being equal. Rural areas have lower Medicare ceilings, proportionately fewer visiting nurse associations, and lower availability of auxiliary services. These factors combined account for 82% of the difference between rural and urban use rates.