Rural Health Day is September 25, a perfect time to talk about the real challenges case managers see every day when supporting members who live far from big hospitals or specialty clinics. Rural communities represent almost one in five Americans, yet many residents face long drives for care, limited provider availability, and higher rates of chronic conditions. 

You know the story well: clients who skip appointments because transportation fell through, older adults juggling multiple medications with no pharmacy nearby, or families who can’t get reliable broadband for virtual visits. 

The Reality on the Ground 

• Access: Some members travel hours for specialists—or delay care entirely. 
• Workforce: Recruiting and keeping providers is tough, making follow-up harder. 
• Technology: Spotty internet and outdated systems limit telehealth use. 
• Finances: Many rural facilities operate on slim budgets, so every dollar matters. 

These barriers add up to higher rates of chronic disease and hospitalizations, and they put extra pressure on care managers trying to coordinate services. 

A Major Investment in Rural Care 

There’s reason to be optimistic. CMS recently launched the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, a five-year initiative to strengthen rural healthcare. 

States can apply for funds to support evidence-based prevention programs, chronic-disease management, technology upgrades, and workforce recruitment. Half the funding will be divided equally among states that qualify; the rest will go to states with the greatest needs, like larger rural populations or struggling hospitals. The deadline for state applications is November 5, 2025, and the dollars start flowing in 2026. You can learn more about this program here.  

For case managers, this program could mean new resources—more mobile clinics, expanded telehealth, and better tools to keep members safe at home. 

Steps You Can Take Now 

While state agencies prepare their proposals, care teams and case managers can help shape what comes next: 

• Share your insight. Your day-to-day experience gives you a clear view of what members need most. Connect with your state’s Office of Rural Health or local health departments to ensure those needs are heard. 
• Collect stories and data. Examples of delayed care, transportation barriers, or preventable hospitalizations can support funding requests. 
• Identify gaps in safety and monitoring. Highlight where members are at risk because they live alone, have chronic conditions, or lack quick access to emergency services. 

How MedScope PERS Supports Rural Members 

Technology that keeps people connected to help—without depending on strong broadband—can make an immediate difference. MedScope’s Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) are built for exactly this situation. 

With the press of a button, members can connect 24/7 to a trained operator who can dispatch emergency services or call a designated contact. For people in remote areas, that kind of direct link can be life-saving when minutes matter and neighbors may be miles away. 

As a case manager, recommending PERS for high-risk members can: 

• Reduce avoidable ER visits by providing help quickly during falls or sudden health changes. 
• Offer peace of mind for members and families who know someone is always available. 
• Support care-plan goals tied to safety and independence—especially important when your state’s Rural Health Transformation funds aim to keep more people healthy at home. 

Because MedScope PERS units use reliable cellular networks, they don’t rely on home internet service—an important advantage in rural communities where broadband may be limited. 

Make Rural Health Day a Call to Action 

As September 25 Rural Health Day approaches, it’s a great moment to talk with your members and your team about safety planning. Consider: 

• Identifying clients who live alone or have mobility challenges. 
• Discussing how a PERS device fits into their care plan. 
• Sharing feedback with your agency or state leaders about how emergency response technology can help meet the goals of the new federal program. 

Ready to help your rural members stay safe at home?

Learn more about how MedScope PERS can support your care plans and give your clients the immediate help they need—no matter how far they are from the nearest hospital.