Healthcare for all Immigrants: A Case Study of Healthier Oregon's Implementation
Date
2024
Authors
Tuleya, Megan
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
Immigrants are a vulnerable population that faces significant barriers to healthcare access and coverage due to their legal status. In 2021, Oregon passed HB 3352: Healthier Oregon, a program that opened state Medicaid benefits to Oregonians who qualify, regardless of immigration status. This study reviews the national healthcare options for low-income immigrants, framing Healthier Oregon's implementation as a case study. This study collected qualitative data through two sets of interviews: 1) in-depth interviews with community partners across Oregon to identify the successes of implementation and remaining barriers and 2) brief interviews with state officials to understand their programs and efforts to expand coverage to this population. The main success of Healthier Oregon, thus far, according to community partners is offering access to care to an underserved population. However, community partners note persistent barriers such as fear, language barriers, difficulty navigating medical systems, and capacity limitations impede many people from enrolling. State officials echo these barriers immigrants face in their states and demonstrate the variety of avenues, both creative and complicated, states may take to expand healthcare coverage. This research aims to inform future policy decisions to foster equitable healthcare access for all residents, irrespective of documentation status.
Description
Keywords
Public Policy, Public Health, Health Insurance, Immigrants, Health Coverage