Partnerships with communities and local health departments to disseminate information about the Affordable Care Act

Background: With the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010, Mississippi has the opportunity to make substantial changes in the availability of health insurance coverage to its citizens. Mississippi has an uninsured rate of 20.6% with some counties having rates as high as 26.4%.  Of the low income non-elderly adults between the ages of 19-64 in MS, 40% are uninsured.  Objective: To educate Mississippi’s uninsured residents about obtaining health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Methods:  Using the Mississippi State Department of Health’s current infrastructure, Office of Health Disparity Elimination (OHDE) conducted train-the-trainer sessions for health educators, community health workers, and congregational health nurses to conduct ACA education in their respective communities. OHDE trained staff in the nine Public Health Districts to assist in educating and referring patients to ACA resources.  OHDE partnered with navigators, and certified application counselors to provide on-site enrollment at each of the educational sessions. Because individuals with incomes between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level may qualify for subsidies or credits to assist with healthcare expenses, OHDE targeted the 10 counties in Mississippi with the largest percentage of uninsured non-elderly adults under 400% of the federal poverty levels. Results: There have been a total of 2,682 people reached through community sessions and districts trainings. Discussion/Conclusion: While 2,682 people were reached; there still exists a gap in knowledge regarding ACA.  The train-the-trainer sessions will provide an opportunity for continual outreach.