Knowledge of Medicaid Expansion to Recent and Undocumented Immigrants Among Oregon Mexican-origin Latinos: (Work in Progress)
Presenter Biography
I am a senior at PSU majoring in Public Health Pre-clinical and plan to go to PA school after graduation. I am also part of cohort 2 of the URISE and undergraduate research program.
Institution
PSU
Program/Major
Public Health Pre-Clinical
Degree
BS
Presentation Type
Presentation
Start Date
4-4-2024 4:21 PM
Keywords
Medical expansion, undocumented, Healthier Oregon, immigrant. Latino/as
Abstract
Background
Recent and undocumented immigrants are explicitly excluded from federal Medicaid and state insurance exchanges. The first phase of Healthier Oregon was implemented in July 2022 and expanded Medicaid (OHP) benefits to undocumented immigrants ages 19-25 or 55 and older. The second phase was implemented in July 2023 and extended benefits to everyone regardless of age. We assessed understanding of Healthier Oregon among Mexican-origin Latinos. We hypothesize that many potentially eligible people may not know about the program, if they qualify, or how to apply.
Methods
This is a cross-sectional study in collaboration with the General Consulate of Mexico. Our team has developed a 19-item cross-sectional survey. This survey includes socio-demographic items and knowledge about Healthier Oregon. Study participants are individuals who are 18 and older, reside in Oregon, and self-identify as Latino/as. We will use descriptive and multivariable statistics to describe our sample, awareness of the Healthier Oregon program, experience enrolling, and factors associated with awareness of Healthier Oregon.
Results
We have recruited 234 out of 500 planned participants to date. Analyses are ongoing and we will have preliminary data for the SPH conference The study results will be disseminated with the Consulate of Mexico, other local partners, and in a scientific publication.
Public Health Significance
Recent and undocumented immigrants are explicitly excluded from Medicaid. Oregon has passed legislation to fill this gap. Understanding awareness of the program will provide insight into ways to improve outreach and communication and improve enrollment by eligible individuals.
Knowledge of Medicaid Expansion to Recent and Undocumented Immigrants Among Oregon Mexican-origin Latinos: (Work in Progress)
Background
Recent and undocumented immigrants are explicitly excluded from federal Medicaid and state insurance exchanges. The first phase of Healthier Oregon was implemented in July 2022 and expanded Medicaid (OHP) benefits to undocumented immigrants ages 19-25 or 55 and older. The second phase was implemented in July 2023 and extended benefits to everyone regardless of age. We assessed understanding of Healthier Oregon among Mexican-origin Latinos. We hypothesize that many potentially eligible people may not know about the program, if they qualify, or how to apply.
Methods
This is a cross-sectional study in collaboration with the General Consulate of Mexico. Our team has developed a 19-item cross-sectional survey. This survey includes socio-demographic items and knowledge about Healthier Oregon. Study participants are individuals who are 18 and older, reside in Oregon, and self-identify as Latino/as. We will use descriptive and multivariable statistics to describe our sample, awareness of the Healthier Oregon program, experience enrolling, and factors associated with awareness of Healthier Oregon.
Results
We have recruited 234 out of 500 planned participants to date. Analyses are ongoing and we will have preliminary data for the SPH conference The study results will be disseminated with the Consulate of Mexico, other local partners, and in a scientific publication.
Public Health Significance
Recent and undocumented immigrants are explicitly excluded from Medicaid. Oregon has passed legislation to fill this gap. Understanding awareness of the program will provide insight into ways to improve outreach and communication and improve enrollment by eligible individuals.