How can CHWs support clients with limited health insurance coverage?

• A. They can educate on coverage options, assist with enrollment, identify low-cost resources, and navigate financial assistance.
• B. They should discourage enrollment in any program.
• C. They should only refer to charities.
• D. They should wait for clients to learn options themselves.

Answer: (B)

Helping clients gain affordable health coverage and access to care is about empowering them with information and practical support. The best approach for CHWs is to educate clients about available coverage options (such as Medicaid/CHIP, ACA marketplace plans, and any special enrollment periods), assist with the enrollment and renewal process, identify low-cost resources (like sliding-scale clinics and community health centers), and help navigate financial assistance programs (subsidies, premium tax credits, patient assistance programs, and charity care). This hands-on support reduces financial barriers, makes it more likely clients will obtain and use needed services, and improves health outcomes. It also fits the CHW role of guiding clients through complex systems, helping with paperwork, and connecting people to community resources. In contrast, discouraging enrollment, referring only to charities, or waiting for clients to learn options themselves do not actively reduce barriers or ensure access to care.