In the past two decades, mortality rates in rural areas of the U.S. have significantly increased compared to urban areas. This trend is concerning for experts, as factors such as chronic diseases, cancer, and lack of access to quality healthcare contribute to the widening gap. Specifically, the mortality rates among women in rural areas have seen a significant increase. Experts suggest that policies focused on rural health should be strengthened to address these disparities. The study also highlights the impact of Medicaid expansion on access to healthcare in rural areas and the need for more research on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural-urban life expectancies.
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City-Country Mortality Gap Widens Amid Persistent Holes in Rural Health Care Access
