📋 Rural Adults Age 50+ Wait Longer/Travel Farther for Medical Appts (AARP Article)

[SpringIsHereVA]

FROM THE ARTICLE:

Nearly all adults 50 and older report having dental services and pharmacies in their communities, with hospice, substance abuse, and obstetrics services less accessible. However, rural residents 50 and older are less likely than their urban or suburban counterparts to report having pharmacies, specialty care, or obstetrics care in their communities.

By Teresa A. Keenan, AARP Research. Published: May 16, 2025.

USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE.

https://www.aarp.org/pri/topics/health/coverage-access/medical-appointment-waiting-time/

[SpringIsHereVA]

[Monday 5/26/25]

I would luv to move out to the country as I age, but since turning 65 (now 67), "reality" hit me with MEDICARE.

Already lost my 1st Medicare Doctor LAST YEAR 2024. She was getting out of it entirely and left practice. Still miss her.  😭

I was VERY LUCKY another doctor in her "old" practice still had a spot. Lol, now to HOPE he is still there NEXT YEAR 2026.

While getting my Yearly Lab Work done this year 2025, when I had mentioned missing my "old" doctor - they told me ANOTHER one is leaving. And there is NO one to take her patients. Other doctors are FULL. Geez, getting HARDER to find MEDICARE DOCTORS.  😱

(1) How is it in YOUR AREA?

(2) Any thoughts on the future of finding Medicare Doctors as more "elect" NOT to take it?

Take care,

Nicole  👵  (Friends & Family Forum)