What the Literature Says About Stigma Literature on stigma and its effects on participation in public programs has defined the problem of stigma. Work that continues today with regard to eligibility simplification and enrollment has begun to address the stigma affecting program participation, and this work continues to define and re-define the problem. The public in general still perceives Medicaid and welfare as synonymously linked. As you will see below, the way people are treated is a big contributor to the enduring negative perceptions of public-run programs, including health coverage. Yet, what the existing literature and possibly the current work lacks are explicit solutions to the defined problem.
Theories exist and evidence is beginning to arise to support the theories.
However, more work needs to focus on the stigma associated with government-sponsored health coverage before we can confirm the theories and test the solutions. The following section lists what the literature has stated about why individuals feel stigmatized when using public programs, such as AFDC and Food Stamps. Stigma Symbols Separate lines for food stamps in the grocery store. Using food stamps in the grocery store. Having a separate, distinctive Medicaid card that looks different from a commercial insurance card.