The debate over health care access has shifted toward an emphasis on expansion of health insurance coverage. This strategy has resulted in incremental changes that have benefited only a small proportion of the growing uninsured population. Other non-insurance related factors such as availability of safety net providers, usual source of care, and cultural relevance have been effective mechanisms for increasing access to care. This session will highlight the efforts of two community-based partnerships, Cambridge Health Alliance in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Lancaster Community Health Plan in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, that are participating in the National Demonstration of the Community Care Network Program. The CCN model encourages health care providers to work with other local organizations, institutions, and community residents to improve the health care delivery system, enhance local support systems, and address the underlying causes of health problems in the communities. The Lancaster Community Health Plan has created a primary care case management system that has provided a medical home for 7,500 Medical Assistance clients. As the second largest safety net provider, the Cambridge Health Alliance has developed various model programs with the goal of providing comprehensive, coordinated, linguistically and culturally appropriate accessible primary care to all residents. We will share strategies and lessons learned in their efforts to address the challenges related to increasing access for those who remain outside the pubic and private health insurance systems.
Learning Objectives: 1. Identify strategies to address challenges related to reducing access of safety net providers. 2. Identify opportunities for improving access to health services by coordination of medical and public health activities. 3. Develop tools to promote and enhance cultural competency of health care providers.
Keywords: Access to Care, Underserved Populations
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Health Research and Educational Trust
Lancaster Community Health Plan
Cambridge Health Alliance
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.