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Building Access to Quality & Affordable Healthcare for Rural Residents

A Plan for Improving Rural Health in Maine

We must consider all varying aspects of the rural health system and how they may be supported to meet the changing needs of rural communities. As components of the rural health system shift in capacity and focus we must act affirmatively to address the issues that arise rather than await a crisis.

Based upon recommendations in the 2006 State Health Plan, a Rural Health Work Group (RHWG) was established to create a rural health plan for Maine. Over 12 months the updated RHWG developed a plan premised on the principle that coordination and integration of systems and services across the health care, public health, and behavioral health systems are critical for achieving better access to services and better health outcomes.

The RHWG recognizes that it will be difficult if not impossible to ensure appropriate access to the health system for rural residents without furthering efforts to expand access to affordable coverage for all Mainers; however, the Work Group believes that important incremental progress can be made.

The RHWG intends the plan to serve as a starting point for a statewide conversation about the future of rural health in Maine. The RHWG identified seven goals that are consistent with improving the health and lives of rural people in Maine.

Rural Health System Goals:

1. Assure access to a foundational, core level of health services.
2. Functionally integrate physical, behavioral, oral, and public health services.
3. Address the current and future health workforce needs.
4. Promote and expand the use of a “planned care” model throughout rural Maine.
5. Develop rural relevant quality and system performance measures.
6. Promote interoperable information technology and telehealth infrastructure development.
7. Ensure financial access for Maine citizens and overall financial stability of the rural health system.

View the final Rural Health Plan Word | PDF