Inquiry: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing (May 2006)

Access to Health Care after Welfare Reform

  • Karen Seccombe,
  • Jason Newsom,
  • Kim Hoffman

DOI
https://doi.org/10.5034/inquiryjrnl_43.2.167
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 43

Abstract

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This research uses data from a longitudinal statewide study of Oregon families leaving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) to identify: 1) the trends in insurance coverage over time; 2) the role of health insurance coverage in predicting whether respondents received needed medical care; and 3) the relationship between access to care and physical and mental health. Data were obtained from 637 families seven months after leaving welfare for work; 552 of these families were re-interviewed one year later. The data reveal that 40% of TANF leavers were uninsured at wave 2 and suggest that significant access barriers exist, which may be associated with poor health outcomes.