Access to Care

Access to Care. The Applicant shall demonstrate the contribution of the proposed service in meeting the health-related needs of members of medically underserved groups that have traditionally experienced difficulties in obtaining equal access to health services. The Department shall consider: A. The extent to which medically underserved populations currently use the Applicant’s services compared to the percentage of the population in the service area that is medically underserved, and the extent to which those populations are expected to use the proposed services if approved; B. The Applicant’s performance in meeting obligations under applicable federal regulations requiring provision of uncompensated care, community service, or access by minorities and handicapped persons, including the existence of any civil rights access complaints against the applicant; C. The extent to which the unmet needs of Medicare, Medicaid, and medically indigent patients are proposed to be served by the Applicant; and Page 61 — Mississippi State Department of Health D. The extent to which the Applicant offers a range of means by which a person may access the proposed facility or services, including geographic access, transportation considerations, travel times, and service-area characteristics.