Hoosier Health and Access to Care

Abstract

This issue brief looks at health and well-being in Indiana by the geographical areas of the Thriving Communities, Thriving State project using a framework of the University of Wisconsin's Population Health Institute as well as an assessment of the Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) in the state. The key findings are: Indiana residents report different health status based on their location in the state. Mid-sized areas report the lowest number of poor or fair health days while rural areas report the highest. Rural residents have lower access to healthcare providers, often well below the statewide rate. Only 9 percent of physicians statewide practice in rural areas; down from 25 percent in 1940. The share of Indiana physicians in mid-sized areas has increased from 17 to 28 percent since 1940. There is strong demand for healthcare practitioners at various education levels throughout the state. Programs are available to assist communities in attracting and retaining healthcare practitioners.