Abstract

Abstract Background. We characterized public health clinic users 4 years after implementation of a major public health insurance reform and identified barriers to health care access. Methods. We used face‐to‐face interviews and profile analysis of survey findings. Results. The typical public health client household is larger, poorer, and more likely to be black than the wider population. The health status of participants is generally good; the level of insurance coverage is preponderantly TennCare; and 90% of respondents are willing to pay some premium. Conclusions. Lack of health insurance does not present a serious health care access barrier, nor do transportation or location; but taking time off from work with loss of wages is a problem for those employed. A cost‐effective way to enroll uninsured children is to use the County Health Department clinics as a contact point.