Medical care is a problem for people who live where poverty and rurality go hand in hand. In rural areas, income is generally lower and medical services are generally poorer and not as readily accessible as in urban areas. Simultaneously, incidence of chronic illness, which limits work activity, reduces income. Programs are underway or are being planned which will help to solve the problem of rural poor who are being deprived of adequate health care. Programs include increasing the supply of services, reorganizing existing services and developing new ones on the basis of regional needs, and removing income and other barriers which impede the ability of the poor to obtain medical care. Tables pertaining to percent of persons with activity-limiting chronic health conditions are presented, as well as tables on medical and hospital personnel and facilities in rural areas. (AN)