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High-Deductible Health Plans in Rural and Urban Populations: Outpatient Utilization and Out-of-Pocket Costs

RUHRC Authors: Smith, AP | Talbert, J
Publication Date: 08/31/2026
Full Publication: High-Deductible Health Plans in Rural and Urban Populations: Outpatient Utilization and Out-of-Pocket Costs (opens in new window)

Objective

This brief explores rural-urban differences in High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) enrollment, subsequent healthcare utilization, and out-of-pocket (OOP) costs. We found that HDHP enrollment was uncommon, with rural residents being slightly less likely to enroll than urban residents across all demographic groups.

Suggested Citation

Smith AP, Talbert J. High-Deductible Health Plans in Rural and Urban Populations: Outpatient Utilization and Out-of-Pocket Costs.  Lexington, KY:  Rural and Underserved Health Research Center; 2026.