In all parts of the state we heard from young Arizonans the need to reimagine our concept of health and our healthcare system. We heard of concerns with access and cost, navigating the system, and quality of care. We heard loud and clear the need to bring visibility to the mental health crisis impacting young people, in particular, and to think more holistically about health and well-being.

What Young Arizonans Said

"Access to primary care providers and medical specialties as well as insurance that provides this access has been incredibly important to me."

"Having access doesn't means didlly if I can't pay the bills."

"I don't know how to differentiate between the importance of access to healthcare through affordable and good insurance, and access to health provider. You don't have quality health service without both."

"Those living in rural communities typically have to drive long distances to receive quality care. Those living on the reservations …typically have to spend an entire day driving to Phoenix for a good doctor."

"When you make minimum wages, your benefits are not great and it's very hard to afford co-pays for any specialists or emergencies."

"I can't afford health insurance. As a family of four making $100K per year, we would have to pay $1,200 a month for health insurance as our employers don't offer it. Deductibles are outrageous and specialists are a two-hour drive away."

How to Interpret the Data

Access to Primary Care Practitioners is measured by the percentage of Arizonans who report they do not have a primary care practitioner.

The term “primary care practitioner” encompasses a variety of professions, including a family physician, pediatrician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. On average, people who have access to and regularly consult a primary care practitioner report better health outcomes. A variety of factors may limit a person’s access to these professionals, including the inability to get time off to attend appointments, lack of health insurance coverage, alternative treatment methods related to culture or religion and a shortage of professionals in the community, among others.

Increasing access to primary care practitioners can improve health outcomes by supporting the early detection of disease, managing long-term or chronic conditions and providing preventive care.

Access to Primary Care Practitioners is updated annually and is available for the following localities:

• Nation
• States
• Counties