This study is a process evaluation of the Healthy Families Program (SCHIP) in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, undertaken nearly a year after the implementation of the program in California. Using a qualitative research design encompassing 16 focus groups in non-urban areas, we set out to examine three questions: · Major reasons for nonparticipation; · Viewpoints of the target population; and · Strategies to increase program participation. Major reasons for nonparticipation included difficulty in qualifying for eligibility, intrusive questioning by state agencies, poor past experiences with other state programs, inadequate definitions of family, immigration status, affect and emotional constraints, and poor customer service. Subjects had many views of the health care system including differential treatment, perceived low quality of care, cultural awareness of the providers, availability of care in Mexico, economic burden of illness, and attitudes about the tiered system of health care. Strategies to increase program participation included using local individuals as liaisons, better education about the program, outreach through public and non-public agencies. As the United States continues to address the lack of universal coverage through incremental, means-tested policies to determine eligibility, it is important to understand barriers to the program, opinions of the target population, and outreach strategies to increase program participation.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1) Describe barriers to participation in public programs 2) Articulate viewpoints of the eligible but unenrolled population for the State Child Health Insurance Program 3) Develop strategies for participation in publicly insured programs
Keywords: Access, Child Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.