Original Investigation

Enrollment Assister Perspectives of a Private Health Insurance Program for Undocumented Immigrants

JAMA Health Forum 10.1001/jamahealthforum.2026.1514

June 05, 2026 at 11:00 AM EDT

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How do community health workers and brokers, serving as enrollment assisters, describe their experiences in helping undocumented immigrants enroll in the first state-sponsored US private health insurance program?In this qualitative study of 24 enrollment assisters, participants perceived that the program addressed a long-standing gap in coverage, improving clients’ health and quality of life while reducing reliance on emergency care. Enrollment assisters also reported challenges, including high demand for the program and limited client familiarity with insurance.These findings suggest that expanding the program and providing culturally tailored educational resources may have benefits for the health and well-being of undocumented immigrants.

Corresponding Author: Christine C. Welles, MD, MAS, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, 12401 E 17th Ave, Leprino Building, 4th Floor, Mailstop F-782, Aurora, CO 80045 (christine.welles@cuanschutz.edu).

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