Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Kristin L. Dailey

Abstract

Despite the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010 and Medicaid expansion, many African American males between the ages of 18 and 64 remain uninsured. Lack of health coverage negatively impacts the economy, communities, and the lives of those who lack health insurance. Hospitals and health care providers are left unpaid when uninsured individuals cannot afford to pay for the healthcare. The purpose of this qualitative study was to discover whether barriers existed for uninsured African American males between the ages of 18 and 64 face in obtaining health insurance coverage, with a goal of influencing public policy surrounding healthcare reform. The Health Belief Model (HBM) was used as the theoretical framework for this study. Data were collected and analyzed using qualitative methods through semi-structured interviews with eight uninsured African Males between the ages of 18 to 64 who currently resided in Arkansas. A phenomenological method and coding of thematic categories were used for data analysis. Findings indicated that African American males faced barriers through lack of knowledge and the lack of support with the enrollment process. Other barriers such as lack of trust in government and the fear of fraud existed for this population. This study adds literature on unidentified barriers to obtaining health insurance for African American males in Arkansas and the impact being uninsured has on the lives those individuals. Findings may be used for positive social change by healthcare professionals in understanding the needs of African American males.

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