Healthcare Navigation for Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Groups

Pranay RanaPh.D. CandidateConsumer Education and Enrollment SpecialistSeptember 17, 2015

Topics to be Covered Today

• Who may fall under LEP category• Challenges with healthcare navigation• Problems and outcomes• Best practices• Available resources

Who May Fall Under LEP Category?

• Recent Immigrants• Refugees• Asylees• International Students• Other Legal Aliens (non-immigrant workers, visitors etc.)

Challenges

• New Law• Unfamiliar System• Technical Words/Concepts• No or low levels of understandings for

requirements and eligibility• No or limited knowledge on available resources• Educational materials not always available in

native language• Diverse immigration status within a family

Problems and Outcomes

• Lower levels of understanding• Problems with the application and

eligibility process• Restrictions from benefits• Choice of inconvenient coverage plan• Loss of coverage due to lack of ability to

follow up • Abuse by scammers and frauds

Best Practices

• Simplify educational materials (reading tone)• Assist in-person and have adequate time per appointment• Cross-verification of information using govt. issued I.D.s and

other documents• Use of interpreters/ volunteers (reach out to the community)• Provide an exit form to consumers

Continued…..

• Convenient sites for enrolment assistance (accessibility to service)

• Confirmation of convenient accessibility to coverage through for the potential plan

• Reach out to specific communities and local organizations for collaboration (eg. of on-site Medicaid caseworker)

• Provide appropriate post-enrollment services and information on where other help and resources can be accessed.

Resources

• localhelp.healthcare.gov• Marketplace phone line: 1-800-318-2596

– Open 24/7– Interpreters available for most international languages

• www.cms.gov• GHF resources– Enrollment Toolkit– GEAR

Thank you!

100 Edgewood Avenue, Suite 1015Atlanta, GA 30303Phone: 404-567-5016Fax: 404-935-9885info@healthyfuturega.org

healthyfuturega.org

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