Health Disparities
Bridging the Benefit Gap: Addressing Health Disparities Through Data-Informed Outreach at Link Health Precious Amiewalan, B.S.* Precious Amiewalan Poorvi Mohanakrishnan Vivian Lin Timothy Scheinert, B.S.
Background
Link Health is a Boston-based non-profit connecting low-income families with federal benefits. Poverty has a detrimental impact on well-being, causing toxic stress linked to chronic illness. Unfortunately, $80 billion in benefits go unclaimed annually due to lack of awareness and complex applications. In collaboration with community stakeholders, Link Health bridges this gap, supporting basic needs through streamlined benefit enrollment.
Methods
Link Health employs hybrid outreach via sign-up clinics, online applications, and text-blast messaging. The two-tiered enrollment process involves eligibility screening and application assistance with Patient Navigators. Data is stored in a HIPAA-compliant Dashboard, and applications are processed remotely and submitted to administering agencies. Data from July 2022-December 2024 is evaluated for demographic and eligibility trends, along with uptake in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Lifeline (a broadband internet discount).
Results
Link Health enrolled 2,996 individuals; 57% identified as Hispanic, 18% White, 17% African American, and 3% Asian; 38% were Spanish speakers. Most individuals qualified via Medicaid (65%) and prior SNAP enrollment (34%). Enrollees were majority aged 30-59 years (59%). Among 121 enrollees in SNAP, 79% were Hispanic; 55% were English-speakers and 38% Spanish-speakers. Lifeline sign-ups totaled 1772; enrollees were 44% Hispanic; 48% were English speakers, and 28% Spanish speakers.
Conclusion
Link Health has created data-driven means to assess community needs, tailoring its approach for Spanish-speaking, low-income adults and partnering with universities and Pathway Programs to recruit bilingual navigators. Educational materials are created with non-English speakers in mind. Programming has grown to address several health determinants, with sign-ups facilitated through a centralized dashboard. To date, Link Health has disbursed $3.4 million into homes.