• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Survey Identifies Questions of Newly Insured in Massachusetts Community Health Centers

Posted on: Monday, 6 August 2007, 09:17 CDT

An informal survey by the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers shows that individuals who previously have had little or no experience with health care insurance quickly grasp the basics of how it works once enrolled. However, the survey also shows that there remains confusion over when to go to a hospital emergency room for care and that cost remains the number one concern among the newly-insured.

"There has been some worry that people with little or no experience with health care insurance would be overwhelmed by its complexities," says James W. Hunt, Jr., President and CEO of the League. "Our survey does not reflect that. It does show however, that even with an overall understanding of how health insurance works, people still need help to understand the differences between urgent care and emergency care."

According to the survey, the most frequent questions the newly insured are asking about health insurance include questions about the new individual mandate to have health insurance and associated penalties for not signing up.

"As we approach the October 1 deadline that will end the free care pool as we know it, it becomes increasingly important that patients understand the "ins and outs" of using health insurance -- in particular the value of a health care home, the importance of maintaining their insurance coverage and, in some cases, the financial consequences of using an emergency room for non-emergent care," Hunt says.

Based on the survey results, the League, with support from its health center-based HMO partner, Neighborhood Health Plan, is launching a new, state-wide education campaign. The campaign -- "Got Health Insurance? Now Get a Game Plan" -- will complement efforts underway to help enroll the uninsured in the new state health insurance programs. The campaign will focus on the difference between urgent and emergency care and alert patients to the steps for maintaining coverage, particularly as their eligibility status changes. The materials will be printed in several languages and distributed through community health centers as well as other community-based organizations such as hospitals, libraries and schools.

"The message that everyone in Massachusetts must sign up for health care insurance is definitely beginning to resonate," said Deborah Enos, President and CEO of Neighborhood Health Plan. "The next step is to help the newly-insured understand the details of their new plans, the importance of following the plans' requirements and using their new health care access to their advantage."

The League's survey was conducted among outreach workers at community health centers across the state. Thirteen community health centers participated. The state's health centers serve more than 700,000 Massachusetts residents, 40 percent of whom have been historically uninsured. The League and its outreach workers are playing a prominent role in reaching out to and enrolling a large number of the uninsured into Massachusetts' expanded Medicaid program and Commonwealth Connector health plans.

Survey Overview

TOP Concerns:

Cost -- can I afford this?

Coverage -- will it be different/less?

Most Frequently Asked Questions

How much does this cost?

If I have an emergency, can I still go to the emergency room?

Are eyeglasses, dental and contact lenses covered?

What happens if I don't have insurance?

Even if I am eligible for insurance through work, can I still get Commonwealth Choice?

Community Health Centers participating in survey:

Brookside Community Health Center, Jamaica Plain

Cape Cod Free Clinic and Community Health Center, Mashpee

Duffy Health Center, Hyannis

Family Health Center of Worcester, Worcester

Great Brook Valley Health Center, Worcester

Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, Lawrence

Healthfirst Family Care Center, Fall River

Island Health Care, Martha's Vineyard

Joseph M. Smith Community Health Center, Allston

Lynn Community Health Center, Lynn

Mid Upper Cape Community Health Center,

Outer Cape Health Services, Inc., Provincetown

South End Community Health Center, Boston

Community Health Centers

Community health centers are non-profit, mission-based organizations that provide high quality primary and preventive health care and social services to all regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. With sites located in more than 180 communities, Massachusetts' health centers served nearly 760,000 state residents last year, providing more than three million visits to people in need of medical, dental and social services.

Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers

The Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers (League) is a statewide association representing and serving the needs of the state's 52 community health centers through grassroots advocacy; technical assistance with state and federal health regulatory and policy issues; training and education for administrators, clinicians and board members; help with health center information technology development; and work with local health and advocacy organizations seeking to open health centers in their communities. The League also serves as an information source on community-based health care to policymakers, opinion leaders and the media.

Neighborhood Health Plan

Neighborhood Health Plan (NHP) is one of Massachusetts' leading managed care organizations, serving a population of over 140,000 members. NHP provides health care programs and related services to individuals receiving benefits under Medicaid (MassHealth), through small business employer groups, and through the state's ground-breaking new health care reform initiative (Commonwealth Care and Commonwealth Choice).

Source: Business Wire

More News in this Category