Puerto Rico Resources

Chronic Diseases and Associated Risk Factors Among Adults in Puerto Rico After Hurricane Maria
Highlights a study on the prevalence of chronic diseases in Puerto Rico before Hurricane Maria and the level of support available to patients before and after the storm. Bases conclusions on 2 studies conducted in 2015 and 2019. Breaks down data by participant characteristics, such as age, employment, and rurality of residence, among other measures.
Author(s): Josiemer Mattei, Martha Tamez, June O'Neill, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 5(1), e2139986
Date: 01/2022
Type: Document
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Health in the Americas: Puerto Rico
Offers data on the health situation of people living in Puerto Rico. Describes and analyzes the progress, constraints, and challenges the state faces in their efforts to improve the health of their people. Covers socio-economic and demographic information, health status, and health services.
Date: 2022
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Pan American Health Organization
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Evaluation of Solar-Powered Battery Systems for Individuals Using Electricity-Dependent Medical Devices in Puerto Rico Following Hurricane Maria
Examines the effectiveness of using solar-powered battery systems in the event of a power outage for persons dependent on electrical medical devices. Rooftop solar-powered panels were distributed to rural residents of Puerto Rico who needed battery back-up for their device during power disruptions. Interviews were conducted to determine acceptance and use. Study concluded the use of solar-powered battery systems for medical devices could be an important factor in public health emergency management and reduce mortality during disasters.
Author(s): Gabriella A Tosado, Marvi Matos, Mareldi Ahumada-Paras, Michael K Chapko, Lilo D Pozzo
Citation: Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, 1-4
Date: 06/2021
Type: Document
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Testimony: Medicaid and CHIP in the U.S. Territories
Presents the statement of the Executive Director of Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission in a hearing before the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Energy and Commerce's Subcommittee on Health regarding the role Medicaid and CHIP play in securing healthcare access in the U.S Territories. Compares current funding through Medicaid for the Territories with the projected funding if no action is taken.
Author(s): Anne L. Schwartz
Date: 03/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission
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CMS Needs to Implement Risk-Based Oversight of Puerto Rico's Procurement Process
Report details the lack of oversight by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of contractors hired to facilitate Puerto Rico's Medicaid program. Discusses Puerto Rico's Medicaid procurement process and outlines the risk of fraud, waste, and abuse of funds due to lack oversight.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 02/2021
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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Cervical Cancer Screening Among Medicaid Patients During Natural Disasters and the COVID-19 Pandemic in Puerto Rico, 2016 to 2020
Evaluates the ability of healthcare providers to conduct cervical cancer screenings in Puerto Rico during the aftermath of a natural disaster. Compares rates of screening from January of 2016 to June of 2020 and correlates those rates with hurricanes Irma and Maria, the 2019-2020 earthquakes, and the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown.
Author(s): Ana Patricia Ortiz, Axel Gierbolini-Bermúdez, Jeslie M. Ramos-Cartagena, et al.
Citation: JAMA Network Open, 4(10), e2128806
Date: 2021
Type: Document
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Puerto Rico Electricity: FEMA and HUD Have Not Approved Long-Term Projects and Need to Implement Recommendations to Address Uncertainties and Enhance Resilience
Report evaluates the response by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to the damage to Puerto Rico's infrastructure in the three years since hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria hit the island. Bases evaluation on the agencies' response to previous recommendations made by GAO. Discusses the current state of Puerto Rico's electrical grid across the island, including in rural areas.
Additional links: Full Report
Date: 11/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Government Accountability Office
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Supporting Puerto Rico's Disaster Recovery Planning
Examines the conditions in Puerto Rico before and after Hurricanes Maria and Irma in 2017. Presents a cross-sectional analysis of the disaster in rural and urban areas. Explores the state of healthcare, infrastructure, economy, ecology, and communication in Puerto Rico and discusses plans for recovery.
Date: 09/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: RAND Corporation
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Health and Social Services in Puerto Rico Before and After Hurricane Maria
Report details the conditions of health and social services in Puerto Rico before and after Hurricane Maria. Discusses the challenges faced in providing healthcare and social services across the island before the hurricane, the effect of the hurricane on services and infrastructure, and potential plans for recovery. Highlights the specific challenges faced by rural communities with regards to access.
Date: 09/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: RAND Corporation
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Medicaid and CHIP in Puerto Rico
Summarizes key requirements and design features of Medicaid and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) in Puerto Rico. Features statistics on program costs from fiscal years 2011-2019, with breakdowns by federal spending and Puerto Rico spending.
Date: 08/2020
Type: Document
Sponsoring organization: Medicaid and CHIP Payment and Access Commission
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