A new report from the Agriculture Department’s Economic Research Service shows that rural Americans are experiencing higher natural-cause mortality rates compared to their urban counterparts, particularly in the prime working-age population. The disparity is especially concerning for women and Native American women. Access to healthcare, particularly in states that have not expanded Medicaid, is identified as a significant factor contributing to this issue. The National Rural Health Association is advocating for increased attention and investment in rural healthcare systems to address these disparities. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rural health is also a concern, with calls for further research on life expectancy in rural America.
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