Evaluating the Influence of Health Insurance Coverage and Healthcare Workforce Shortages on Access to Care and Health Outcomes in Rural and Urban Regions of California

This study investigates how health insurance status and the availability of healthcare professionals affect delays in care and overall health outcomes. It was hypothesized that uninsured individuals often experience longer wait times and poorer health. By exploring these interconnected factors, the research emphasizes the need for targeted policies to enhance healthcare equity and access across the state's varied communities. This study examines three research questions to identify factors influencing health care accessibility in California. Each question places a major focus on two of the variables including insurance, delays in care, health status, and healthcare professional shortages. This research uses data from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), which includes a sample of over 20,000 individuals, providing trends related to healthcare access across different regions. However, limitations such as small sample sizes in rural areas and the use of a digital survey collection method starting in 2022 may affect the reliability of the findings, necessitating a cautious interpretation of significant results. This study reveals how while a lack of health insurance significantly affects delays in medical care in rural areas, the association between insurance and health status is more complicated than just a simple two variable comparison. It brings attention to factors beyond coverage, such as healthcare resources and personal choices. The findings showcase the urgent need for targeted policies to enhance healthcare equity and access, ensuring timely care for all Californians, regardless of their socioeconomic status, geographic location, or level of insurance.