Public librarians connecting communities to health insurance information

Abstract

ABSTRACT This qualitative research study explored librarian experiences at libraries that received funding for Affordable Care Act outreach through the “Connecting You to Coverage” funding opportunity offered by the Public Library Association. The researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 public library funding recipients to uncover more details about providing Affordable Care Act assistance, the specific services offered at participating libraries, approaches to connecting patrons with Navigators, and undertaking social media outreach efforts. The participants in this study shared creative approaches to using funding, outlined the benefits of partnering with local organizations, described the ways in which patrons engaged with librarians for assistance, and identified their strategies for evaluating these efforts. By identifying successful outreach strategies, the ideas presented in this study provide a springboard for other librarians hoping to undertake Affordable Care Act and health insurance information outreach.