Women from medically underserved minority and poor communities who historically have limited access to preventive health services may not have the basic information needed to fully benefit from these offerings. Such women may lack the necessary tools to effectively identify personal health care needs, take advantage of health services, or participate equitably in health care decision-making. Our study tests the effectiveness of a Medicaid health plan that offers new members the services of community health workers (CHWs) who use a community-developed curriculum and function as navigation aides. The CHWs assist patients to make informed decisions about the utilization of covered preventive health services and engagement with their health care providers.
