Substance abuse, access to mental health care and costs remain a burden for people living in rural areas, even if they have private insurance.

These are the findings of a new study published recently in the Journal of Rural Health.

The study, led by Zhuo «Adam» Chen at the University of Georgia College of Public Health, examined over 10 years of insurance claims data from 2005 to 2018, detailing how adults with employer-based, private insurance used and paid for mental health care services in urban and rural areas.

The researchers found that overall, urban enrollees used more mental health care than rural ones. And although the usage gap narrowed from 2005 to 2018, the quality and cost of care weren’t equitable, even for privately insured patients.

«Rural enrollees have a higher share of copays, and they are relying on primary care physicians and nurses much more than the urban area enrollees,» said Chen.

Higher personal costs for rural patients

Rural patients also paid higher out-of-pocket costs for mental health care, according to the study.

Story Source:
Materials provided by University of Georgia. Original written by Lauren Baggett. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.