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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Susan Brutschy, BA, Applied Survey Research, PO Box 1927, Watsonville, CA 95077, 831-728-1356, susan@appliedsurveyresearch.org

A great deal of data exists showing ever-increasing numbers of uninsured Americans, but how important is access to healthcare perceived to be among low-income, financially unstable populations, who often have multiple, competing needs for basic social services? Although the need for healthcare may seem to be less imperative than more basic “emergency” needs such as food and shelter, a recent study of low-income California residents suggests that people think about healthcare access as a primary, fundamental need, on the same level as food and shelter services. As part of a Safety Net needs assessment in San Mateo County, California, Applied Survey Research (ASR) interviewed 141 county residents who reported having difficulties paying for basic living expenses, in order to learn more about their assistance needs and difficulties in accessing available social services. Interviews consistently revealed that access to medical and dental services was perceived to be as important to needy residents as more basic services such as food and clothing assistance. More than half of the low-income residents interviewed (53%) indicated that they recently had sought or had a need for assistance with medical or dental services. When residents were asked to report their greatest unmet services needs, assistance with finding affordable health care emerged as the second most common unmet need, after housing-related assistance. Frustrations with costs of care and inability to qualify for assistance despite great need were commonly-reported healthcare-related problems, as was poor knowledge of available community assistance programs for those without health insurance coverage.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Understand how low-income populations think about healthcare needs in relation to other essential needs such as food and clothing
• Identify some of the access barriers and frustrations as perceived by this group in their attempts to find low-cost health services.

Keywords: Access to Health Care, Community Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation