Amplifying Unheard Voices of the Medicaid Community: People of Color, With Disabilities, and LGBTQ+
Marginalized communities of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities who are eligible or enrolled in Medicaid experience high rates of health inequities.
The Issue
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation commissioned a national research study to better understand how Medicaid currently serves these populations and how the program can be improved to advance health equity and address specific social needs, including food insecurity, housing insecurity, and social isolation.
The survey analysis is accompanied by fact sheets highlighting the specific needs and perceptions of Medicaid enrollees and eligibles from various marginalized communities.
Key Findings
- Individuals eligible for Medicaid learn about the program from a variety of sources because there is no central, comprehensive source on the Medicaid program and enrollment options.
- More than one-third of study respondents found the Medicaid enrollment and renewal process to be onerous.
- Nearly a quarter of respondents reported negative experiences finding a provider who accepts Medicaid.
- A majority of respondents support efforts to expand Medicaid services to cover social needs, including but not limited to food and housing.
Conclusion
The research identified tangible strategies for state and federal policymakers to better serve those enrolled in Medicaid and the more than 2 million individuals within the Medicaid coverage gap. Strategies to increase access to Medicaid, ease enrollment and renewal struggles, and facilitate social needs while elevating health equity were common recommendations among respondents.
About Sensis
Sensis is an integrated cross-cultural marketing agency with full-service capabilities. SensisHealth is the agency’s healthcare practice, leveraging research and strategy to advance population health and drive behavior change