Improving the Road to Coverage: Lessons Learned on Outreach, Education and Enrollment for Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Communities

The opening of the health insurance marketplaces and the expansion of Medicaid under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) provided opportunities for millions of Americans to gain health insurance coverage. Still, many Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AAs and NHPIs) faced major barriers and challenges during the first Open Enrollment Period from October 2013 to March 2014. Because AAs and NHPIs represent a diverse group with many different languages and cultures, these populations faced unique challenges related to language, immigration status, and health literacy as they attempted to enroll in coverage.

 

The report provides a comprehensive narrative on the activities and strategies used by AHJ's over 70 community-based partners and Federally Qualified Health Centers to conduct ACA outreach, education, and enrollment assistance to AA and NHPI)communities in 22 states. The report also identifies challenges and resource gaps that faced assisters trying to reach and enroll primarily immigrant and limited English proficient populations, and highlights the best practices and lessons learned utilized by AHJ partners to fill these gaps in preparation for the next Open Enrollment Period.