A new policy brief from the Rural Policy Research Institute looks at the availability of plans in rural states and compares the changes in plans offered and premiums from year one to year two. It provides a thorough analysis of the number of plans offered and how that impacts premium rates. Perhaps more importantly is its conclusion regarding outreach. The brief makes the case that premiums can be lowered as outreach is done and more people enroll as it will become more attractive for other carriers to enter those markets, resulting in increased competition and lower premiums. All of this means that there is a case to be made for more outreach in these areas. To download a copy of the report, click here.