Latinos in Los Angeles are uninsured in disproportionatly high rates. Among the largest populations of uninsured people in Los Angeles is the working poor. Many VIDA participants fall into this category, while others are eligible for programs such as Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) but do not know how, or are afraid to apply. VIDA provides an avenue for these people to access health care and apply for coverage programs in a friendly, non-threatening environment. VIDA is a health plan strategy to improve access to care among low-income uninsured people living in the San Fernando Valley, California. Evaluating VIDA incorporates elements of qualitative and quantative data collection and analysis. In order to compare health care utilization and access to services among VIDA participants, utilization data is tracked by collaborating with the VIDA providers. Participants' problems or concerns are recorded in daily chronologies, managed by the VIDA Project Manager. Participants' change in access and continuity of care, satisfaction with services, use of preventive services and the ER is examined by analyzing survey data. Two surveys collect VIDA participant data: a baseline/6-month follow-up survey, and a cross-sectional VIDA participant survey. In addition to health care information, the VIDA evaluation is also identifying how the program has chosen and trained community leaders who later participate in orienting others. The VIDA evaluation is providing real-time feedback, using surveys, observations, in-depth interviews and patient utilization data to describe the effects of VIDA on participants, as well as influence and shape health care policies in California.
Learning Objectives: After participating in this session, one will: 1. Learn how a community can set up a health plan strategy to improve access and health care among a low-income uninsured, largely Latino population in California 2. Understand how a coalition of providers, community leaders, and NGO staff have come together to address some key barriers to obtaining healthcare (i.e. no insurance, lack of information, fear of public charge); and 3. Demonstrate the change in participants' ability to receive healthcare, use of preventive services, ER utilization, insurance status and healthcare satisfaction
Keywords: Access and Services, Community Health Programs
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: VOICE, San Fernando Neighborhood Legal Services, University of Southern California
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.