MEDICAID MANAGED CARE PROGRAMS IN RURAL-AREAS - A 50-STATE OVERVIEW

Interviews with state Medicaid officials reveal that although managed care programs have been implemented in rural areas, participation re m ains behind that of urban areas. Many states aim to create a statewide Medicaid managed care program and are struggling to overcome barriers that are greater in rural areas, including providers' resistance, lac k of commercial managed care, and inadequate supply of providers. Many have modified contracting strategies and shown flexibility regarding interpretations of travel standards, twenty-four-hour coverage require ments, and primary care case management requirements, to implement pro grams in rural environments.