The health sector is often the largest rural county employer . It is often directly responsible for 10 to 15 percent of jobs. The hospital often is the second largest employer Many rural hospitals are in financial trouble. Since 1980, more than 400 rural hospitals have closed. They depend on Medicare and Medicaid payments for as much as 80 percent of their revenue.
Rural residents are more likely to lack health insurance.
Limited health care options results in a disproportionate number of inappropriate and more expensive emergency room visits by rural residents. Demographics of rural areas lead to higher health care costs. The rural population is older than urban population, and therefore, tend to use more health care services. Poverty is more widespread in rural areas than in urban areas. Rural residents are more likely to be uninsured.