Which of the following best describes the practical importance of the

Which of the following best describes the practical importance of the classifications of metropolitan, micropolitan, and noncare areas?

a. Classifications are used for congressional policy-making and funding decisions.
b. Metropolitan areas gained importance because of their large population.
c. Micropolitan areas are now recognized for their crucial role in society.
d. The new system emphasizes the extent of rural (noncare) areas.

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: A
The new core-based statistical areas (CBSA) system includes two categories of counties: (1) metropolitan areas and (2) micropolitan areas. Counties that are neither metropolitan nor micropolitan are called “outside CBSAs,” also known as noncare areas. Metropolitan areas contain at least one urbanized area of 50,000 or more people. A micropolitan area contains a cluster of 10,000 to 50,000 persons. Because the metropolitan statistical area classification is used extensively for congressional policy-making and funding decisions, there could be serious ramifications for health care financing within rural market areas.