Rural residents often encounter barriers to healthcare that limit their ability to obtain the care they need. Access to healthcare implies that healthcare services are available and obtainable in a timely manner. Even when an adequate supply of healthcare services exists in the community, there are other factors that may impede healthcare access. For instance, to have healthcare access, rural residents must also have:

• Financial means to pay for services, such as health or dental insurance that is accepted by the provider

• Means to reach and use services, such as transportation to services that may be located at a distance, and the ability to take paid time off of work to utilize services

• Confidence in their ability to communicate with healthcare providers... has limited health literacy

• Trust that they can use services without compromising privacy

• Confidence that they will receive quality care

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