This project is in Massachusetts where Hispanics/Latinos are 6% of the total state population and 20% of the MassHealth (the state's Medicaid program) caseload which now approaches 1 million consumers. Hispanics/Latinos are the largest group of minority consumers of MassHealth. The Gaston Institute for Latino Community Development and Public Policy and a diverse group of Massachusetts Hispanic/Latino university faculty and research staff and community care health providers will undertake a collaborative relationship with the Massachusets Division of Medical Assistance (or Masshealth, the state's Medicaid agency to address the primary question: 1) To what extent do Hispanic/Latino consumers of MassHealth services receive quality health care?
Despite the relatively high access and high quality of MassHealth services delivered to low-income and minority populations of Massachusetts, according to some studies and indicators, little analysis has been completed to determine whether quality outcomes apply equally to racial and ethnic minority groups. In addition, significant disparities exist in the health status of Massachusetts' Hispanics/Latinos compared to Whites, suggesting that access to insurance alone does not automatically improve health care outcomes.
Learning Objectives: 1. Assess to what extent do Hispanic/Latino consumers of MassHealth services receive quality health care. 2. Discuss recommendations to maintain or improve quality of care for Hispanic/Latino MassHealth consumers
Keywords: Access to Health Care, Hispanic
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Hispanic Serving Institutions
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.