Comorbidities Episodes

1052: Strengthening Access to Care: Community Health Workers, Medicaid, and Rural Health
Jan. 14, 2026

1052: Strengthening Access to Care: Community Health Workers, Medicaid, and Rural Health

Community health workers (CHWs) play a critical role in bridging the gap between health systems and the communities they serve, especially in rural and underserved areas. In this episode, ASTHO Senior Director of Population Health, Alex Kearly, explains who CHWs are, how they build trust and address both health and social needs, and why Medicaid reimbursement can help make these roles sustainable.