Exploring the Impact of ACA on Rural-Urban Disparity in Oral Health Services Among US Noninstitutionalized Adults

J Rural Health. 2021 Jan;37(1):103-113. doi: 10.1111/jrh.12418. Epub 2020 Feb 11.

Abstract

Purpose: To explore the effect of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) on rural disparities in oral health services utilization based on disability status.

Methods: Comparing the 2011-2013 with the 2014-2016 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, the study estimated the impacts of ACA on the likelihood of having preventive checkup and utilization of dental treatments in adults older than 18.

Findings: The sample consists of 216,184 noninstitutionalized adults with 14.5% living in rural areas. There was a slight improvement in the receipt of oral health services after ACA, but the improvement was not statistically significant. Disability remains a barrier to receiving preventive oral health checkups, and living in rural areas is a barrier for both utilization of preventive checkups and dental treatments.

Conclusions: Unmet needs for preventive checkups may result in unnecessary, costly dental treatments. More strategies are needed to reduce the disparities in oral health services.

Keywords: Affordable Care Act; health disparities; oral health; prevention; rural.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Humans
  • Oral Health
  • Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act*
  • Preventive Health Services
  • Rural Population
  • United States