Summary
Community health workers are spreading across the US, including in rural areas, to address barriers to healthcare and improve access to preventive care.
These workers assist vulnerable populations, including immigrants, rural residents, and low-income families, by providing support with tasks such as arranging medical appointments, understanding bills, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
Medicare has been reimbursing community health worker services since January, and advocates hope more state Medicaid programs and private insurers will follow suit.