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How Can I Help You?Eligibility Worker: Navigating Patients Through the Social Services Maze
Ankuda, Claire Kelmendi, Ben Lam, Phillip Odefey, Amy Ogawa, Mimi Petersen, Chase Schonberg, Emily Bourgo, Jon Kessler, Rodger
Ankuda, Claire
Kelmendi, Ben
Lam, Phillip
Odefey, Amy
Ogawa, Mimi
Petersen, Chase
Schonberg, Emily
Bourgo, Jon
Kessler, Rodger
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Abstract
Introduction: Vermont has programs to assist low income individuals in obtaining basic needs such as health insurance, food security, fuel assistance, housing and transportation. However, these services are often underutilized by eligible individuals. Major barriers to enrollment include lack of knowledge about available programs and their income cutoffs, cumbersome application processes, literacy barriers, and lack of transportation to application sites. In other states, efforts to reduce these barriers have included shortened application forms, removal of asset tests, mail-in applications, media outreach, and eligibility workers placed in outreach agencies. Many studies suggest that the presence of an eligibility worker at a community health center can help overcome some social service enrollment barriers.
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Date
2009-02-02