Health insurance plans are essential partners in securing our nation’s health security and fulfill an important role in ensuring access to critical health care services both daily and during an emergency.
America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), in collaboration with ASPR, surveyed 137 health insurance plans to better understand current emergency preparedness best practices and activities that support their member’s access to health care services and continuity of care during a disaster. The survey included a number of topics related to emergency
preparedness, including: infrastructure preparedness and emergency planning, adaptability of policies and capabilities during an emergency, connectedness to their members and communities as well as identified best practices and lessons learned from prior emergencies.
The study identified 6 modifications that plans could make to enhance healthcare system preparedness:
- Establish metrics and benchmarks for emergency preparedness plans and policies.
- Identify disaster-specific policy modifications
- Enhance state, local, and federal stakeholder connectedness.
- Consider digital strategies to enhance communication
- Improve support and health care service access for at-risk individuals
- Create regular forums for knowledge exchange about emergency preparedness
The survey had a 63% response rate. Combined, these health plans cover 190.6 million people, 81% of people enrolled in health plans across the United States of America.
To learn more about the study’s findings, see the
National Survey of Health Insurance Plan Emergency Preparedness Report.
