Flawed federal programs maroon rural Americans in telehealth blackouts

By Sarah Jane Tribble, KFF Health News, Holly K. Hacker, Lydia Zuraw, KFF Health News, KFF Health News

BRANCHLAND, W.Va. — Ada Carol Adkins lives with her two dogs in a trailer tucked into the timbers off Upper Mud River Road.

“I’m comfortable here, but I’m having health issues,” said the 68-year-old, who retired from her job as a school cook several years ago after having a stroke. “Things are failing me.”

Her trailer sits halfway up a ridge miles from town and the local health clinic.