The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires Health Insurance Exchanges (HIEs) to specify network adequacy standards for the Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) they offer to consumers. This article, authored by research staff at the Maine Rural Health Research Center, USM Muskie School, examines rural issues surrounding network adequacy standards, and offers recommendations for crafting standards that optimize rural access.

MRTQ director Sonja Howard has been named the lead for a BUILD Initiative grant received by the State of Maine to help shape the technical assistance program offered to its early care and youth education practitioners. Maine is one of only eight states chosen to participate in this national initiative.