Massachusetts Universal Health Insurance: Outcomes for Diabetic African Americans

Abstract

There is disparity in health outcomes among persons with Type 2 diabetes mellitus due to insurance. Studies have documented the low quality care given to underinsured, uninsured, and those with pubic health insurance, especially among African Americans. For patients with diabetes to control and prevent complications of the disease like blindness and neuropathy regular checks of serum blood sugar, glycosylated hemoglobin, and other tests are required. However, studies have shown that due to the cost of these treatments person without insurance or who are underinsured are likely not to get these services. It is for these reasons that the state government of Massachusetts enacted a universal health insurance plan with specific mandates for diabetes care. Thus, this study will look at the relationship between the recently enacted universal health insurance in Massachusetts and African Americans with T2DM. This study will help determine if the universal mandate has been beneficial in decreasing the complications of the disease. The study will utilize the five parameters of diabetic care proposed by Agency for Health Care Quality and will be carried out in one health center in predominantly African American area of Boston. Approximately 400 participants will be surveyed for the study using a modified DIMS instrument. Analysis of variance will be used to determine if there has been a change to the quality of care since the introduction of the universal health insurance plan. Social change could be accomplished by empowering participants, decreasing complications, and death.