HealthDay (5/10, Miller) reported, “When folks in rural America need treatment for a substance use disorder, significant obstacles stand in their way, researchers say.” Specifically, “they are more likely to have to look outside their insurance network for care, resulting in higher out-of-pocket costs, according to a recent study published in the journal Health Services Review.” In the study, “compared to those in urban areas, rural patients were less likely to initiate treatment for disorders involving alcohol (37% versus 38%), opioids (41% versus 44%) or other drugs (38% versus 40%).”
Related Links:
— “Getting Help for Alcohol, Drug Abuse Tougher for Rural Americans,”Carole Tanzer Miller, HealthDay , May 10, 2024