Aspen-area poor having trouble accessing health care

ASPEN — About 4,500 county residents in the Aspen area live at or below the federal poverty level, and Pitkin County health officials are trying to find options to help the area’s low-income families receive the care they need because many doctors are not accepting public health insurance.

Liz Stark, Pitkin County public health director, said many low-income and Medicare-eligible residents have to drive 70 miles to Rifle to get treatment.

“We have a growing public health crisis regarding limited access to affordable care for low-income adults,” Stark said. “This has to do with dental, behavioral health, physical health, all our types…