Donations make virtual care more accessible in rural and underserved communities
Centene and Samsung Electronics America are working together to expand access to telehealth for individuals and families living in rural and underserved communities. ‘Ohana Health Plan, as part of the Centene family, will be deploying this initiative in Hawaii by supplying local healthcare providers with Samsung Galaxy A10e smartphones to distribute to patients who would not otherwise have access to healthcare services virtually.
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As of mid-July, a CDC survey found that 44.4% of respondents reported delaying or not receiving care for various reasons, including concerns and challenges around COVID-19. Meanwhile, prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, rural residents already exhibited higher mortality rates and higher incidences of preventable inpatient and emergency room admissions than their counterparts in urban areas.
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In response, ‘Ohana Health Plan delivered 150 Samsung Galaxy A10e smartphones, with 90 days of free wireless service, to the following federally qualified health centers (FQHCs):
- Hamakua Health Center
- Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services
- Malama I Ke Ola Health Center
- Waimanalo Health Center
- West Hawaii Community Health Center
Many of the selected FQHCs are located in rural and underserved communities where there can be barriers to receiving in-person healthcare. The providers will then determine which of their patients need the devices and then distribute them accordingly. Mobile devices will support patients to utilize telehealth and virtual care capabilities such as talking, texting, and videoconferencing sessions with doctors. Patients can also schedule prescription delivery and access patient education materials.
“We’re increasingly seeing the importance that telehealth can play in maintaining a person’s health. But for those living in rural and underserved communities who may lack access to a compatible device, it can create gaps in care,” said Scott Sivik, Plan President and CEO, ‘Ohana Health Plan. “Through this program with Samsung, we’re bridging that gap and making healthcare accessible for more people by empowering them with the devices they need.”
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