Barriers and Facilitators to Accessing and Utilizing Medicaid Smartphone Services: Perspectives of Peer Support Specialists and Patients with a Diagnosis of a Serious Mental Illness

Community Ment Health J. 2024 Oct;60(7):1345-1351. doi: 10.1007/s10597-024-01290-7. Epub 2024 Jun 10.

Abstract

Access to smartphone and data plan services may impact levels of connection and opportunities for health management for patients with a diagnosis of a serious mental illness. Such smartphone-based services provide opportunities that extend the reach of physical and mental health care programs. The purpose of this study was to explore barriers and facilitators faced by individuals with mental health challenges when accessing Medicaid SafeLink smartphones and data plans. Interview guides were developed using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data on 18 participants' experiences with SafeLink services. Two main themes were identified- barriers and facilitators. Sub-themes included monthly data limits, followed by account management (barriers), opportunities for safety, and connection (facilitators). Massachusetts SafeLink policies provide individuals with an opportunity for smartphone ownership. However, results imply that expanding the current policy's usage limits may provide additional opportunities for connection and access to health services.

Keywords: Access; Medicaid; Mental health; Peer support; SafeLink; Telehealth.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Male
  • Massachusetts
  • Medicaid*
  • Mental Disorders* / diagnosis
  • Mental Disorders* / therapy
  • Mental Health Services
  • Middle Aged
  • Peer Group
  • Qualitative Research
  • Smartphone*
  • United States