Projected Cost Analysis and Community Engagement Strategies for Expanding Hearing Healthcare through Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System
Publisher
The University of Arizona.Rights
Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction, presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.Abstract
The purpose of this research was to provide an estimate of the cost of expanding hearing healthcare coverage in the state of Arizona and to research strategies for cultivating meaningful relationships with patient and family stakeholder groups. For low-income individuals in Arizona, there are currently limited resources in place to provide them with hearing healthcare. Research has shown that untreated hearing loss can lead to an increased risk of loneliness, depression, and anxiety (Monzani et. al., 2022). The number of low-income individuals in Arizona who have hearing loss was assessed using the US Census data and hearing loss prevalence data. An estimate of low-income individuals with hearing loss who are likely to seek hearing aid services was determined from the data collected from a variety of research articles including Humes and Chien & Lin. The cost to the state to expand the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) hearing aid coverage to adults in the target age group between the ages of 22-64 was projected. It was estimated that it would cost the state $17,192,241 yearly. A phone script and two infographics were developed to provide resources and foster support from the different patient and family groups. The information from this cost analysis and development of resources will hopefully be used to provide compelling data to convince lawmakers of the utility of expanding coverage.Type
textElectronic Dissertation
Degree Name
Au.D.Degree Level
doctoralDegree Program
Graduate CollegeSpeech, Language, & Hearing Sciences