Access to health care refers to the ease with which an individual can obtain needed medical services. RAND research has examined the social, cultural, economic, and geographic factors that influence health care access worldwide; the effects of changes in access; and the relationship between access and health for specific U.S. populations—including racial and ethnic minorities, people with limited English proficiency, the uninsured, the elderly, children, and veterans.
Research conducted by: RAND Health; RAND National Security Research Division; Global Health; Center for Military Health Policy Research
News Releases (9)
Researchers from the RAND Corporation and other institutions have begun pilot-testing a web-based tool designed to help parents and adult caregivers determine whether to seek urgent medical attention for a sick child with flu-like symptoms.
With the health care safety net in California under stress from the state's continuing financial crisis, jurisdictions across the state face unprecedented challenges caring for the health and social service needs of people released from state prisons.
Retail medical clinics located in pharmacies and other stores can provide care for routine illnesses at a lower cost and similar quality as offered in physician offices, urgent care centers or emergency departments.
Inmates released from California prisons have a high need for drug treatment, health care and mental health services, but they face barriers to accessing such aid because many return to communities where health care services are severely strained.
Retail medical clinics located in pharmacies and other stores typically attract insured and uninsured patients who are seeking help for a small group of easy-to-treat illnesses or preventive care and do not otherwise have a regular health care provider.
Expanding opportunities for immigrants to obtain legal residency and citizenship may be the best option to offer them better access to health care.
September 7, 2006 News Release: RAND Study Shows Providing Health Insurance to Low-Income Children Improves Their Quality of Life.
RAND news release: RAND Study Finds All Socio-Demographic Groups at Risk for Poor Quality Health Care
RAND news release: RAND Study Finds Medical Safety Net Plays Key Role in Providing Care to Uninsured Children
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