January 18, 2015
By Damon Waters, Office of Family Assistance
According to recent research funded by the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation/Health Services, low-income men aged 18-44 are less likely to be covered by health insurance than older men and women of all ages.1 High costs of insurance and limited information and access often prevent low-income men from obtaining health coverage. Unfortunately, uninsured families are less likely to have access to necessary health services, including dental care, mental health and preventative care.
Parents have a tremendous influence on the healthy lifestyles and healthy behaviors of their children. For example, Struass and Knight (2001) found that fathers played an important role in determining if a child eventually became obese. Horn and Sylvester (2002) provided important data showing a direct link between the health-related problems of fathers and the health of their children. There is a growing understanding that individuals with easy and affordable access to and participation in health insurance have potentially better health outcomes. Opening the doors to healthcare for fathers—especially—plays an important role in improving healthcare outcomes for children.2Visit disclaimer page
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACAVisit disclaimer page) focuses on increasing access to health insurance among previously uninsured individuals. By providing access to basic preventative healthcare, various treatment activities and screenings, the ACA provides a critical connection to the healthcare system for fathers and families. The ACA Open Enrollment period started on Nov. 15, 2014 and ends on Feb. 15, 2015. The Office of Family Assistance, in partnership with various Administration for Children and Families operating divisions, is exploring a variety of strategies to improve the healthy behaviors and lifestyles of fathers all across the country. Each quarter, the NRFC sponsors its Fatherhood Buzz in partnership with barbershops across the nation to increase awareness around responsible fatherhood, parenting, healthy lifestyles and other issues important to father and child wellbeing.
On Jan. 24, OFA’s National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (NRFC) is sponsoring its latest Fatherhood BuzzVisit disclaimer page. Barbershops around the country will host fathers and families for a day of activities to promote healthy lifestyles and behaviors. Additionally, the NRFC is collaborating with local ACA representatives to encourage fathers to sign-up for health insurance through the ACA. The ACA provides many options for extending healthcare coverage to fathers and families.
Encouraging men to access regular healthcare services is important to improving not only their overall health, but also the health of the children that look up to them. The importance of enrolling in health insurance and accessing healthcare is just another way that fathers can provide for their families. The NFRC will provide resources and tips to raise awareness of preventable health challenges and encourage fathers to access early detection and screening services.
Uninsured fathers are more likely to suffer poor mental and physical health. Fathers with insurance, however, are more likely to access preventative care and less likely to visit a doctor only when they are sick. Healthy fathers play an important role in increasing their children’s overall well-being and having health insurance provides better access to necessary healthcare services. As a result, children are more likely to have insurance, are healthier, have access to a continuous source of care and are better equipped to do well in school. Many children have unmet healthcare needs and poor access to consistent prevention, treatment and care services. Open enrollment allows fathers to show their children how important it is to sign up for and obtain health insurance. Because there is such a strong connection between healthy behaviors among fathers and the health of their children, this Buzz comes at an important time. So, on Jan. 24th OFA will stop and help fathers across the country “take time to be a [healthier] dad” and in the process influence healthier kids.
1. http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/13/LowIncomeMen/HealthDisconnected/rpt_Health_Di…
2. http://www.mathematica-mpr.com/~/media/publications/PDFs/health/reformhe…