Working Together on the Success of the ACA: A National Plan of Outreach, Education, and Enrollment for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders – the Community Health Center Perspective

There are approximately 1.7 million uninsured Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AAs & NHPIs) in the U.S.  In order for successful enrollment of this population in the new coverage options provided through the Affordable Care Act (ACA), it is necessary to have an effective and coordinated plan of action.  Four national organizations serving the needs of AA & NHPI communities across the United States have come together to create a national plan for ACA outreach, education, and enrollment.  These four groups are working with approximately 70 community health centers and community-based organizations in 21 states to educate at least 250,000 AAs and NHPIs  about the ACA and enroll at least 50,000 in coverage during the first open enrollment period.  This collaborative effort is specifically targeting limited-English proficient individuals, families with mixed immigration status, healthy young adults, and small business owners and employees within the AA & NHPI community. 

This presentation will provide a summary of this national effort by sharing important experiences from the collective work, describing strengths and challenges of developing this collaborative, highlighting success stories and significant barriers faced by the partner organizations, and talking about the advocacy work to improve the next open enrollment period. AAPCHO will share successes, challenges, and lessons learned from 13 community health centers targeting AAs and NHPIs for ACA outreach, education, and enrollment. Participants will learn strategies for successful national and local collaboration among organizations working together to help individuals enroll in ACA coverage and get health care access.