“Exploring the Trend of Rural Health Care in the South: Why Medicaid Expansion Remains a Challenge” | Chattanooga Times Free Press

In the peaceful town of Walhalla, South Carolina, a small clinic run by Clemson University is making a big difference. This primary care facility draws patients from all over, especially many Hispanic individuals who often lack health insurance. Some even travel from other counties just to see Michelle Deem, the clinic’s bilingual nurse practitioner.

“Spanish-speaking patients really prefer to talk to someone who speaks their language,” Deem explained. “I’ve built strong ties with this community.”

Though Clemson is known mostly for its popular football program, it’s turning its attention to healthcare. With significant funding from the state, the university is working to close health gaps in rural areas of South Carolina, which often rank low in health outcomes.

Ron Gimbel, who heads Clemson Rural Health, mentioned, “Some communities face immense challenges to staying healthy.” The clinic focuses on providing essential services like primary care, cancer screenings, and education on nutrition and diabetes management at low or no cost.

Clemson Rural Health is just one of many programs addressing healthcare needs in South Carolina. The state has seen a growing interest in improving rural health, especially among lawmakers. For years, however, many Southern states have turned down federal funds that could expand Medicaid for low-income adults. This gap in coverage has left many people without necessary health services.

Currently, ten states have not fully embraced Medicaid expansion, leaving approximately 1.5 million individuals without the help they need. These are largely adults without children, many of whom work in gig jobs like ridesharing or delivering food, and cannot secure health insurance through their employment.

Recently, South Carolina’s government announced limited Medicaid expansions for some parents, but these plans come with certain requirements that complicate access.

While organizations like CoverSC are advocating for broader Medicaid expansion, the road ahead may be bumpy. The federal government is prepared to fund a significant portion of any new plans, but the resistance from state lawmakers remains a critical barrier. The pursuit of a balanced healthcare system is ongoing, and community leaders understand the importance of providing accessible services.

Clemson’s work also comes with its challenges. This year, the university received a $2.5 million contract from the state’s health department. Despite this support, it’s a fraction of what other institutions, like the Medical University of South Carolina, have received for similar services.

Many hope that increasing the number of clinics and healthcare resources in rural areas will address the wider issues affecting health. Experts emphasize the need for affordable healthcare as a key factor. As Graham Adams from the Office of Rural Health pointed out, “One of the biggest obstacles is the inability to pay.”

As state leaders explore various health initiatives, the focus remains on ensuring all individuals can access quality care. Time will tell if projects like the Clemson clinic will successfully enhance health in these underserved communities.