CHC Week 2006

RECENT EVENTS
National Health Center Week
Aug. 6-12, 2006

Community Health Centers and Health Care Reform

This year, in Massachusetts, we have something to celebrate. Our Commonwealth has taken the lead in health care reform by signing into law legislation that aims to provide health insurance coverage to most of the state’s more than 500,000 uninsured. It is a bold move and it is being talked about and watched closely by every state in the nation. While there are still many details to work through and implement, health centers are eager to lend their community-based connections and expertise to make sure that everyone in Massachusetts has comprehensive health coverage they can both afford and use.

Community health centers continue to work on the front lines in the effort to manage care in ways that benefit both the patient and health care system as a whole. Staffed by board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, registered nurses, nutritionists, dentists and a range of other of medical and social service providers, community health centers excel at providing preventive care and chronic disease management in lower cost community settings.

While quality and cost effective care are essential to reform efforts, so too are affordability and accessibility. The potential premiums, deductibles and co-pays associated with the new health plans must be set at levels that acknowledge the myriad financial burdens of low-income individuals and families.

At the same time, having an insurance card does not automatically provide individuals with access to health care. Health centers can play a key role in educating patients about expanded eligibility for the state’s Medicaid program and about the new insurance products that will come through the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector -- the authority that will make it easier for uninsured residents to purchase affordable insurance.

In addition to helping facilitate local health access, health centers look forward to playing a strong role in tracking health disparities and improving health outcomes across Massachusetts communities as mandated for providers in the legislation.

In order to fully contribute to the success of health care reform, community health centers must be counted among the providers in need of rate relief. With sufficient reimbursement and additional investments in technology and infrastructure, Massachusetts health centers can help ensure that our most vulnerable residents will have access to high quality, comprehensive health care services in their own communities.

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