Changes over the past five years in welfare policy have yielded an increasing number of low-income parents that are either underinsured or uninsured. There is increasing recognition of this problem and recent initiatives have begun to address this by broadening the income eligibility for Medicaid. But the ultimate goal for these families is enrollment in private insurance. Little is known about this group as a whole, or specifically about those low-income parents that are successful in obtaining private coverage as compared to those who remain on Medicaid or become uninsured. This study was designed to examine the health insurance status of low-income parents and to answer three questions: 1) Who is enrolled in Medicaid? ; 2) Who is enrolled in private insurance?; and 3) Who is uninsured? This analysis (n=425)considered the socio-demographic, family composition, health status, and health services utilization across these three groups of Ohioans. The findings revealed important differences across the three groups. Having private insurance was directly related to the health status, family composition and education of the adult. Only 15% of adults in poor health, with less than a high school education, and single had private insurance; this is compared to 67% of adults in good health, with at least a high school education, and “coupled” having private insurance. These findings have implications for policy makers and public health nurses who work on the front lines with these families. Those remaining on Medicaid have significant problems that will require in-depth assistance to move the family toward “independence.
Learning Objectives: 1. To describe the differences between parents with Medicaid, those uninsured, and those privately insured. 2. To analyze the public policy and program implications of these differences.
Keywords: Access to Care, Low-Income
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.