Date

5-2023

Document Type

Capstone Project (Open Access)

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Department

Health, Human Services and Public Policy

Major

Collaborative Health and Human Services

Abstract

This capstone aims to highlight the benefits of health insurance for individuals and communities. Currently, at my internship at Salinas Valley Health Orthopedics, we face a large number of uninsured patients. As a result, these patients are left with extensive medical bills that may be difficult to pay since they do not have adequate health insurance to assist with some of the costs. The project's purpose is to educate the community about the importance of health insurance coverage, provide information on available options and resources, and increase enrollment in healthcare plans. The project was implemented through an outreach and educational effort. Much of this can include an informational brochure to highlight the benefits of being insured, comparing costs with and without insurance, and providing health insurance companies that are available in Monterey County. Only 9 out of the 30 people who were provided with the information successfully applied for some type of health insurance. Although I fell short of my anticipated amount, nevertheless, it still impacted a few individuals. Although it wasn’t a huge change, I would still recommend this project to my agency. Especially coming from Monterey County where there is a significant amount of underprivileged communities, everyone should have the same opportunity or patient care no matter their circumstances. Through more outreach and patient advocacy, many lives can be impacted for the greater good.

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