CULTURE ~ shared attitudes, values, goals, practices & social norms that characterizes a group of people

VALUES & NORMS
- INDIVIDUALISM ~ personal independence and self-reliance
- FREEDOM & EQUALITY ~ personal freedom and equality under the law
- DIVERSITY ~ U.S. is a melting pot of different races, ethnicities, and cultures
- PRIVACY ~ belief that individuals have the right to control their personal information, space, and intrusions from others.

US GEOGRAPHY'S IMPACT TO HEALTHCARE
TYPICAL U.S. ADDRESS ~ Street name - house no. - city - state - zip code

*change in address can disqualify member's enrollment, update member address in SSA so they'll be able to re-enroll*

1. Access
2. Competition
3. Health disparities and chronic conditions
4. Medicaid expansion
5. Cost of living


STROKE BELT ~ Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia (healthcare costs and premiums in these areas are higher bcos of diabetes and obesity)