Understanding Healthcare Access for Marshallese Migrants
Effects of COVID-19 Related Medicaid Policy Changes in the Marshallese COFA Migrant Population
This research wants to learn how recent changes to Medicaid are helping Marshallese migrants in Northwest Arkansas get the healthcare they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11177878 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
For many years, Marshallese migrants in the U.S. faced challenges getting healthcare coverage, even though they were initially eligible for Medicaid. A new law in 2020 brought back Medicaid access for this community after a long gap. This project will work closely with Marshallese communities in Northwest Arkansas to understand if these changes are truly making it easier for people to enroll and use healthcare services. We want to hear directly from community members about what helps and what makes it difficult to get care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is specifically for Marshallese Compact of Free Association (COFA) migrants living in Northwest Arkansas.
Not a fit: Patients who are not Marshallese COFA migrants or do not reside in Northwest Arkansas would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help ensure that Marshallese migrants receive the healthcare coverage and services they are entitled to, improving their overall health and well-being.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific impact of this recent policy change on the Marshallese community is largely unknown, previous studies have highlighted significant disparities in healthcare access for this population.
Where this research is happening
Little Rock, United States
- Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis — Little Rock, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Andersen, Jennifer Audrey — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Andersen, Jennifer Audrey
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.