Utilizing technology to assist uninsured populations in getting access to healthcare coverage

This study describes the use of technology to increase applications and enrollments of eligible uninsured New Jersey children in public health coverage programs, as part of a CMS-funded CHIPRA Outreach/Enrollment Grant project. The project focuses primarily on families at the point of healthcare service, where they are most receptive to information about the importance and need of healthcare coverage. To help families and improve efficiencies in the enrollment process, New Jersey makes its single NJ FamilyCare application (covering Medicaid and CHIP programs) available as through a secure online application and also has an informative Web site. However, many in the target populations do not have access to this efficient, user-friendly technology. The project is piloting use of kiosks and providing mobile devices in 10 hospitals to help families connect to NJ FamilyCare information and online application system. The kiosks, which operate in English or Spanish as selected in the opening window, first screen families for presumptive eligibility, directing eligible families accordingly, and then provide locked-down Web browser access to fact sheets about NJ FamilyCare information in multiple languages, the official NJ FamilyCare Web site and the secure online application in English and Spanish. Participating hospitals are marketing availability of kiosks in their communities, training staff to assist families with any questions, observe the utilization of the kiosks and identify any issues, which will be addressed by the project and its kiosk vendor. The study will measure the impact of this strategy on enrollments and assess its potential for future expansion.