Health care needs and services in rural areas are compared with those in urban areas, with the results indicating that rural people continue to have more health problems and less satisfactory care. Federal health care legislation and its effect on rural areas is discussed, particularly legislation pertaining to manpower, planning programs, facilities construction, financing, and programs for special groups. Examples of successful new public and private experimental health delivery programs are given, many of which focus on providing better care for rural people. (Author/KM)