Mobile Technology: Smart Tools to Increase Participation in Health Coverage

As mobile technology advances and cell phone use continues to increase across demographic groups, there is significant potential to tap these technologies to facilitate enrollment in and retention of health coverage, in both the immediate term and as health reform is implemented.

A brief produced in conjunction with The Children’s Partnership examines how various tools and strategies, including text messages and smart phone apps, can be used to advance coverage goals. The report focuses especially on the capacity of mobile technology to reach and expand health coverage among traditionally underserved communities, who have less broadband access to the Internet at home. It discusses the potential of mobile devices to function as outreach tools and as new means of applying for and renewing coverage, as well as submitting forms, receiving reminders, and paying premiums. The brief also highlights key challenges to maximizing the potential of mobile technology in this sphere and policy steps that could help to address them.

Issue Brief (.pdf)