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Evaluating the Immigrant Health Insurance Plan (IHIP) for Improvements Through Community Engagement
Syeda, Zaymee Moshashaian Asl, Ranya Mirza, Hamza Pasanen, Mark MacLean, Charles Urie, Patti S
Syeda, Zaymee
Moshashaian Asl, Ranya
Mirza, Hamza
Pasanen, Mark
MacLean, Charles
Urie, Patti S
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Abstract
Background: In June 2021, Vermont's Act 48 (H.430) established the Immigrant Health Insurance Plan (IHIP), effective July 1, 2022, to expand healthcare coverage for children under 19 and pregnant individuals with immigration statuses ineligible for Medicaid. In collaboration with the Office of the Healthcare Advocate (OHA), our project aims to identify potential areas of improvement in IHIP’s first few years. Methods: We began by gathering background information from OHA and identifying stakeholders. We then established contact with them, conducted interviews, and developed two surveys in RedCap. The first survey, targeting community organizations and providers interacting with IHIP-eligible populations, remains open with data collected as of August 7, 2024. The second survey, for current or potentially eligible IHIP enrollees, is ongoing with a distribution strategy being developed. Survey data were analyzed using STATA, focusing on associations between responses, quantitative data, and qualitative feedback. Results and Conclusions: Most survey respondents (84/136) were unfamiliar with the Immigrant Health Insurance Plan (IHIP). Among the 51 familiar participants, 29 had direct experience with IHIP applicants or enrollees. Of those with experience, 50% expressed dissatisfaction with accessibility, and 36% were unsure about coverage. All respondents with less than a year of practice reported limited familiarity with IHIP. No significant associations were found between familiarity and length of practice or location, including Chittenden County. Interviews echoed survey findings, highlighting barriers such as language barriers, healthcare navigation challenges, and burdensome paperwork. Suggested improvements included translating key documents, streamlining applications through an online portal, and eliminating residency verification requirements. Next Steps: Future directions involve distribution and analysis of the second survey to the IHIP-eligible population through community organizations and more involved translation services, as well as conducting additional interviews with stakeholders and enrollees. Our findings were presented to the Department of Vermont Health Access (DVHA) and policymakers. Further research could explore improvements in mental health services and long-term care, areas with more extensive coverage under VT’s Dr. Dynasaur.
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Date
2024-01-01