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Cousineau, M.R. (2000). Providing Health Insurance to IHSS Providers (Home Care Workers) in Los Angeles County. University of Southern California.
Abstract
This report gathered and analyzed data and investigated options for insuring In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) home care workers in Los Angeles County. It provides key data on home care workers’ demographics, utilization patterns, and preferences; and also lays out viable options for reducing the number of uninsured.
Key survey findings: A majority of LA home care workers are poor and/or uninsured, face significant financial and other barriers to health care, may be eligible for public health care programs, may delay care and have chronic medical conditions that go untreated, and lack access preventive care.
Actuarial analysis and cost estimates: The estimated cost of comprehensive HMO coverage is $1788 per year per enrolled worker in LA county. Cost estimates for the workforce are:
$129 million to insure the entire workforce,
$57 million for the uninsured,
$35 million for the uninsured not linked to Medi-Cal (primarily single adults of childless married couples)
Options for providing health insurance to home care workers: Of the four coverage options for providing health insurance for home care workers, two are incremental steps that take advantage of existing financing structures, public programs, and delivery systems for low-income families and the uninsured. The two more comprehensive approaches, built on the foundation of existing public policy, may require additional legislation or federal waivers for implementation.
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