Chaffee County Public Health (CCPH) has recently announced the successful completion of its Access to Healthcare Survey. This collaborative effort with the League of Women Voters of Chaffee County (LLWVCC) has provided valuable insights into the local healthcare system. CCPH Director Andrea Carlstrom expressed pride in the local healthcare system, highlighting its strengths.

Survey Highlights and Key Findings

The survey, conducted between May 15 and July 31, 2024, aimed to capture the strengths and areas for improvement of the local healthcare system. CCPH received an impressive 1,273 full responses and a wealth of qualitative data.

Healthcare Sector Ratings

All healthcare sectors were rated above 4.0 on a 5.0 scale, indicating a high level of satisfaction. This shows the overall positive perception of the local healthcare system.

Health Satisfaction Rates

A significant 76 percent of survey respondents reported being satisfied with their physical health. Additionally, 80 percent were satisfied with their access to mental health. These figures demonstrate the relatively high level of health satisfaction among Chaffee County residents.

Survey Demographics

It's important to note that the demographics of the survey respondents were not fully representative of the county. Large sectors such as minorities, Spanish-speaking individuals, men, the north end of Chaffee County, and those under age 25 were underrepresented. This highlights the need for more inclusive healthcare access.

Barriers to Healthcare Access

One of the biggest barriers identified was the difficulty in obtaining appointments, with 47.6 percent stating that it takes too long. Another 38.4 percent couldn't find the specific healthcare they needed within the county. These issues pose challenges for residents seeking timely and appropriate healthcare.

Insurance Coverage

Some 46 percent of surveyed individuals have Medicare or Medicare Advantage. Given that 26 percent of the Chaffee County population is age 65 and above, this indicates a significant portion of the population relying on these insurance plans.

Reasons for Seeking Healthcare Outside the County

More than 70 percent of respondents said they seek healthcare outside the county due to the need for specialists, including diagnostic and treatment services. Significantly, over 13 percent mentioned having to leave the county to access more care related to aging. These findings emphasize the importance of specialized healthcare within the county.For questions, contact Andrea Carlstrom, CCPH Director, at acarlstrom@chaffeecounty.org or Emily Anderson, CCPH Deputy Director, at eanderson@chaffeecounty.org.