Choosing a Plan for Minority & Undeserved Workers

As the ability to communicate with the health care system becomes more important, there isa risk that minority populations, particularly non-English speaking and undeserved persons, will fallfurther behind in the level of care they receive. We are currently developing a general healthcare planfor its member companies, expected to begin in April 1994, and to be fully insured and provided inpartnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island. The investigation are conducting socialresearch to identify variables in decision making abilities and needs. In Phase I we will clarify theseneeds, and develop three prototype decision support systems to assist individuals choose an appropriatehealth plan. In Phase II, the decision support systems will be expanded and refined via a comparativetrial of materials, methods and outlets.