R M Rubin1, C Chang, R Stolarick. 1. Fogelman College of Business and Economics, University of Memphis, and Memphis and Shelby County Health Department, Tenn 38111, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: We characterized public health clinic users 4 years after implementation of a major public health insurance reform and identified barriers to health care access. METHODS: We used face-to-face interviews and profile analysis of survey findings. RESULTS: The typical public health client household is larger, poorer, and more likely to be black than the wider population. The health status of participants is generally good; the level of insurance coverage is preponderantly TennCare; and 90% of respondents are willing to pay some premium. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of health insurance does not present a serious health care access barrier, nor do transportation or location; but taking time off from work with loss of wages is a problem for those employed. A cost-effective way to enroll uninsured children is to use the County Health Department clinics as a contact point.
BACKGROUND: We characterized public health clinic users 4 years after implementation of a major public health insurance reform and identified barriers to health care access. METHODS: We used face-to-face interviews and profile analysis of survey findings. RESULTS: The typical public health client household is larger, poorer, and more likely to be black than the wider population. The health status of participants is generally good; the level of insurance coverage is preponderantly TennCare; and 90% of respondents are willing to pay some premium. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of health insurance does not present a serious health care access barrier, nor do transportation or location; but taking time off from work with loss of wages is a problem for those employed. A cost-effective way to enroll uninsured children is to use the County Health Department clinics as a contact point.