Theresa Blanco Often Manages Beyond Molina's Benefits Package

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Community Health
• Healthcare Access

Background:

• Medicaid and Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans may not cover all patient needs.
• Identifying and addressing gaps in healthcare coverage is crucial for patient well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a model for connecting patients with unmet needs to community resources.
• To highlight the role of community health workers in bridging healthcare gaps.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing Molina's Community Connectors (community health workers).
• Facilitating connections between members and local community/not-for-profit organizations.

Main Results:

• Patients with needs unmet by Medicaid or ACA plans can be supported.
• Community Connectors successfully link members to external support organizations.

Conclusions:

• Community health worker programs are effective in addressing social determinants of health.
• Integrated care models enhance patient access to essential services beyond traditional insurance coverage.