Jan. 5, 2026

81 I The $50 Billion Question for Rural America - United States of Care

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Overview:

We explore the intersection of rural health and culturally responsive care, highlighting how geography shapes healthcare experiences for the 65 million Americans living in rural areas. We dive into the transformative potential of the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Fund, discussing how states are listening to diverse communities—including tribal populations—to design context-specific solutions. Through conversations with policy leaders from United States of Care, we examine the importance of turning community voices into actionable policy, break down the practical opportunities for clinicians to advocate and engage, and spotlight how coordinated change at every level—from exam room care to state legislation—can make healthcare more person-centered, affordable, and equitable.

Three Takeaways:

Listening and Closing the Feedback Loop Builds Trust
One powerful insight is the importance of not only listening to community members but also circling back to show how their input influenced decisions.

Rural Health Solutions Can’t Be One-Size-Fits-All
Throughout the episode, guests reinforce that rural health challenges (and solutions) vary widely between places like Alaska, Kansas, and Washington. Kelsey shares how states are actively asking communities to help define what “rural” means locally and to articulate their specific needs, such as maternity care deserts or mental health access.

Language Matters When Talking About Change
The conversation reveals a fascinating finding from United States of Care’s research: terms like “value-based care” don’t resonate with real people—in fact, “value” can sound cheap or dismissive, like a bargain bin. Instead, terms like “patient-first care” and “whole person care” feel authentic and inviting, making it easier to connect policy to patient priorities.

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