People living in rural communities often face significant barriers to getting the care and services they need. These challenges are especially acute for people with complex health and social needs, including older adults, people with disabilities, and individuals with behavioral health needs. Common barriers include limited care coordination, provider shortages, and inadequate transportation options.
As states prepare to leverage opportunities through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, there is growing momentum to advance innovative approaches that improve access and strengthen care coordination for rural residents with complex needs. Across the country, states and communities are testing promising strategies to address longstanding challenges and improve rural health care.
This webinar, hosted by the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) and made possible by The SCAN Foundation, explored practical approaches to addressing access challenges for people with complex needs in rural communities. Drawing on findings from a literature review, interviews with state and program representatives, and a convening of national experts featured in a CHCS brief, the webinar highlighted three approaches: (1) establishing care coordination entities; (2) strengthening provider capacity; and (3) expanding accessible transportation options. Speakers from programs in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Virginia shared examples of efforts to improve care for people with complex needs in rural areas.
Agenda
I. Welcome and Introduction
Speaker: Gretchen Bell, Senior Program Officer, CHCS
G. Bell welcomed participants and provide a brief overview of the event.
II. Innovative Approaches to Improve Access to Care for Populations with Complex Needs in Rural Communities
Speaker: Molly Knowles, Senior Program Officer, CHCS
M. Knowles discussed CHCS’ brief, State Innovations in Improving Access to Care for Adults with Complex Needs in Rural Communities. She highlighted three innovative approaches that states and rural communities can use to expand and better coordinate care for people with complex needs.
III. Program Examples: North Dakota’s Home- and Community-Based Services Differential Rates, South Dakota’s Health Homes Program, and a Microtransit Model in Southwest Virginia
Speakers:
- Nancy Maier, Director of Aging and Adult Services, North Dakota Health & Human Services
- Chris Soukup, Care Management Program Administrator, South Dakota Department of Social Services
- Mitch Elliot, Transit Director, Mountain Empire Older Citizens Transit
Representatives from programs in North Dakota, South Dakota, and southwest Virginia shared examples of efforts to improve care for people with complex needs in rural areas. Speakers highlighted key program components, early lessons, and considerations for other states and rural communities seeking to strengthen access for similar populations.
IV. Panel Discussion
Moderator: M. Knowles, Senior Program Officer, CHCS; Reactor: Ellen Breslin, Breslin Health Consulting
M. Knowles moderated a panel discussion with the speakers on key success factors, implementation considerations, and lessons for states and rural communities. E. Breslin reflected on opportunities for states to address access challenges for rural residents with complex needs.
V. Moderated Q&A
Moderator: G. Bell, Senior Program Officer, CHCS
