Lack of access to health care is a major challenge for Grameen America (GA) members, many of whom suffer from the types of untreated chronic conditions (e.g. obesity, diabetes, and hypertension) that are common among other underserved populations. While a majority of GA members’ children are enrolled in State Children’s Health Insurance Plan (SCHIP), many GA members who qualify for Medicaid are not aware of their eligibility or have difficulty navigating the application process.
The majority of GA members share significant health care or cost concerns. Julia, for example, is a Latina immigrant living below the poverty line. After paying a private doctor $300 to evaluate her hypertension, she could not afford to fill her prescription. In another case, a GA member was working to pay down a $12,000 debt from a series of operations that were not covered by insurance. Exorbitant health care costs, language barriers, and transportation issues are just a few of the challenges that GA members face in receiving care.
Currently, the emergency room (ER) is the most convenient place for GA members to receive care. Unfortunately, the ER does not provide coordinated care or many preventive services. With time and money in short supply, and travel difficult, the members need information and services tailored to their needs.
In response to this need, GPC’s program will work with GA members to obtain better access to “high impact” health services with the goal of increasing the number of GA members who engage in preventive health and have access to quality care while decreasing emergency room use and unnecessary hospitalizations.
