Bridging the [Health Equity] Gap at a Free Clinic for Uninsured Residents of Rhode Island

Abstract

Poor management of chronic diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, particularly among the uninsured, places medical and financial burdens on the healthcare system. Clínica Esperanza/Hope Clinic initiated a chronic disease management program for uninsured residents of Rhode Island (RI) called Bridging the [Health Equity] Gap (BTG), which offers continuity of care, quarterly goal-setting appointments, and healthy lifestyle interventions. Outcomes for 549 participants from the initial evaluation period are presented here. Over the first 12 months of enrollment, mean hemoglobin A1c decreased from 10.2% to 8.3% (p<0.001), and mean blood glucose of individuals with diabetes decreased by 51 mg/dL (p<0.01). BTG participants used the local emergency department (ED) 60% less than Medicaid-insured RI residents and had 61% fewer "potentially preventable" ED visits. The positive impact of BTG on chronic disease outcomes and ED usage by uninsured patients suggests that programs like BTG may reduce overall healthcare costs in the state.

Keywords: chronic disease; emergency department; health disparities; lifestyle intervention; uninsured.