Rural Healthcare Providers’ Perceptions of Patient Financial Well-Being and Integrating Financial Capability Services

Abstract

This exploratory study documents rural healthcare providers’ perspectives on patients’ financial well-being, and the feasibility of integrating financial capability supports into healthcare services. Surveys (n = 132) and online focus groups (n = 17) in 2019 were used to collect data. Three key findings were that rural healthcare providers: (i) recognize the influence of financial capability on patients’ health outcomes and healthcare access, (ii) saw a need for resources to support patients’ financial capability, and (iii) do not feel well-positioned to address patients’ financial needs. Implications include the need for tools, resources, partnership strategies, and programs that support rural patients’ financial capability.