An assessment of healthcare access and utilization in the world trade center health program

Abstract

Objective: Access to healthcare, a national priority, may be better understood through medical surveillance programs like the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP). Methods: Measures of healthcare access and utilization for 1159 9/11 rescue and recovery workers ("responders") at the Rutgers Clinical Center of Excellence (CCE) were assessed using negative binomial modeling of the Benefits Eligibility Assessment Screening Tool and compared with 174 9/11 responders in the 2017 New York City Community Health Survey (NYCCHS) using z-testing. Results: Approximately 10.8% of Rutgers CCE respondents lacked at least one aspect of healthcare access. Problems accessing healthcare and basic needs were positively associated with CCE utilization and differed between Rutgers CCE and NYCCHS respondents. Conclusions: Some 9/11 responders bridge healthcare access gaps via participation in the WTCHP. Surveillance survey tools may help to identify healthcare disparities.