Industry
Physician Shortage Projected to Reach 86,000 by 2036, Rural Areas Most Affected
A new AMN Healthcare report projects a U.S. physician shortage of 86,000 by 2036, with rural communities experiencing the most severe workforce gaps. The report warns that healthcare spending cuts could accelerate rural hospital closures in areas already struggling with provider access. The shortage affects all specialties but is most acute in primary care and behavioral health, sectors critical to Medicaid beneficiaries who disproportionately rely on rural safety-net providers.
Why it mattersRural Medicaid beneficiaries face greater barriers to accessing care as physician shortages intensify in counties where hospitals serve as sole providers and Medicaid constitutes a significant payer mix.