Bill Overview
Title: Maximizing Outcomes through Better Investments in Lifesaving Equipment for (MOBILE) Health Care Act
Description: This bill allows a health center that currently receives funding through a Health Resources & Services Administration Health Center Program grant to use a New Access Point grant to set up a mobile unit regardless of whether the health center also establishes a permanent health care delivery site. New Access Point grants help health centers establish new delivery sites to provide comprehensive primary care to medically underserved populations. Under current law, health centers may only use the grants to set up a mobile unit if they also establish a permanent site.
Sponsors: Rep. Lee, Susie [D-NV-3]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals in medically underserved areas potentially benefitting from mobile health units
Estimated Size: 62000000
- Mobile health units are generally aimed at reaching medically underserved populations who may not have easy access to healthcare facilities.
- Medically underserved populations often include rural communities, low-income populations, migrants, and uninsured individuals.
- The bill facilitates the establishment of mobile units without the need for a permanent site, thus potentially expanding access to healthcare for those who do not live near existing health centers.
- Globally, millions of people live in rural or underserved areas without access to regular healthcare services.
- The World Health Organization estimates that half of the world's population lacks access to essential health services.
Reasoning
- The policy aims to primarily benefit medically underserved populations, suggesting the inclusion of individuals from rural areas or those with low income.
- A portion of the population may not be directly impacted, particularly those with already established access to health services.
- The budget indicates a measured rollout, meaning high-impact cases might be focused in areas with the most significant current gaps in services.
- The policy should reflect an array of perspectives, including those with potential indirect benefits, like healthcare workers who would experience shifts in work conditions.
Simulated Interviews
retired teacher (rural Iowa)
Age: 68 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I struggle to make it to my regular check-ups due to the distance and my old car.
- A mobile health unit would save me a lot of hassle and possibly improve my health management.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
unemployed (inner city Detroit, Michigan)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Without insurance, I don't go to the doctor much. If there were a mobile clinic nearby, I'd definitely use it.
- This could finally help me figure out what's going on with my health.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 1 |
part-time barista (Miami, Florida)
Age: 25 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It’s tough to make time for appointments with my shift schedule. A mobile unit would be helpful if it comes near my area.
- Anything to make seeing a doctor easier is welcome.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
community health worker (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 31 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Mobile health units could alleviate some of the stress from the main clinics.
- I believe it would make my job slightly easier and more effective in reaching patients.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
coal miner (Appalachia region, West Virginia)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If mobile health units can make it here, it'd be a game-changer for me.
- Travel to clinics is challenging, so this idea really appeals to people like me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
primary care physician (suburban New York)
Age: 40 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Mobile units could definitely help in areas with fewer clinics close by.
- For my practice, it’s more about extending reach than changing current patient access.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
farmer (rural Texas)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've skipped treatments due to distance before. Mobile clinics could make a significant difference.
- It'd be less stressful knowing I can access care more easily.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
part-time caregiver (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 53 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Mobile units are appealing, but it depends on where they’re located.
- I’d appreciate having more options even if it's just for convenient check-ups.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
retired factory worker (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Something like this policy could ease the strain on clinics I visit.
- More access doesn't hurt, even if I'm not the primary target demographic.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
college student (urban Pennsylvania)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If mobile units provided fast mental health services, that’d be a plus.
- Access is relatively okay for me, but improvements would be welcomed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1000000000 (Low: $700000000, High: $1200000000)
Year 2: $950000000 (Low: $650000000, High: $1150000000)
Year 3: $900000000 (Low: $600000000, High: $1100000000)
Year 5: $850000000 (Low: $550000000, High: $1050000000)
Year 10: $800000000 (Low: $500000000, High: $1000000000)
Year 100: $500000000 (Low: $300000000, High: $700000000)
Key Considerations
- The scalability and reach of mobile health units can significantly affect the outcomes of this policy.
- Adapting mobile health units to diverse geographical and infrastructural contexts is essential for maximum impact.
- Ensuring sufficient staffing and training for mobile units will be critical to their success.
- Compliance with medical regulations and ensuring data security in mobile settings might require additional resources.