Healthcare Access in Haywood County
An interactive analysis of key challenges to access to care.
The Five Pillars of Healthcare Access
Access to healthcare is a complex issue. We can understand it better by looking at four key pillars. Click each tab below to explore the data-driven challenges facing Haywood County in each area.
Pillar I: Health Insurance Coverage
Insurance is the primary gateway to care. The data reveals a high uninsured rate alongside a very high reliance on public programs like TennCare (Medicaid) and Medicare.
Pillar II: Workforce & Availability
Care is inaccessible if providers and facilities are not available. While Haywood County has a relatively strong ratio of Primary Care Physicians, it suffers from a complete lack of local specialty care and a financially vulnerable hospital.
Pillar III: Utilization & Timeliness
Access is also measured by whether residents use the system for preventive care in a timely manner. Key indicators suggest that care is often delayed until it becomes a crisis.
Pillar IV: Affordability
Beyond insurance premiums, the actual cost of care can be a significant barrier. This is especially true in a community facing economic headwinds.
The expected increase in ACA premiums puts further strain on household budgets. While a specific county metric is unavailable, the state average shows that nearly 15% of adults already avoid necessary medical care because of cost. Given Haywood County's economic profile, this figure may be higher locally, creating a destructive feedback loop where lack of affordability and lack of providers reinforce each other.
Pillar V: Local Investment
This pillar tracks investments in community health, new programs, and infrastructure upgrades, which are crucial for long-term sustainability and improved health outcomes.