HEALTH-CARE REFORM AND RURAL HEALTH NETWORKS

Health care reform is likely to raise unique issues for rural communities and providers. This paper identifies and discusses several of these issues, with a particular focus on the potential relationship between health care reform and rural health networks. Topics addressed include the likely impact of health reform on the organization and development of rural health networks, the reimbursement of rural providers, rural medical practice, and state roles in the organization, delivery, and oversight of rural health care.