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Caring for Vulnerable Populations
What is a Medically Underserved Area/Population (MUA/P)?
MUAs and MUPs identify geographic areas and populations with a lack of access to primary care services. These designations help establish health maintenance organizations or community health centers.
MUAs have a shortage of primary care health services within geographic areas such as:
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A whole county
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A group of neighboring counties
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A group of urban census tracts
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A group of county or civil divisions.
MUPs have a shortage of primary care health services for a specific population subset within a geographic area. These groups may face economic, cultural, or language barriers to health care.
Some examples include:
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People experiencing homelessness
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People who are low-income
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People who are eligible for Medicaid
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Native Americans
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Migrant farm workers
Check Out These Resources for More Information on SC Rural Health Needs
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