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Opening Access to Care
Affordable Primary Healthcare
The Need
Access to healthcare has been clearly identified as a community problem. The Twin Rivers region was designated a Medical Health Provider Shortage Area in 2001. Additionally, a quarter of the residents of the region have annual income at or below $36,600 (200% of the Federal Poverty Index for a family of four) 14% of individuals in the catchment's area did not have health insurance. The triple problems of health provider shortage and low-income families and access to care make affordable primary healthcare a high priority for Twin Rivers communities.
Action
A new community benefit has been designed to work for low-income, under-insured and uninsured members of the community. A common fee-schedule is used by healthcare providers for area residents who are determined to be eligible for this service. Regional community benefit programs, sliding fee scales and benefit designs already in use with physician groups, hospitals and clinics were reviewed and adjusted, in order to develop this new community benefit for the Twin Rivers communities.
Residents are able to apply for the community benefit program at a provider location and be issued a benefit card, for services at the local hospital and with their primary care provider for in- patient, out-patient and office visit services.
Involvement
CCNTR, LRGHealthcare, private practice physician groups and Health First Family Care Center have worked together to develop this benefit design. This program is funded by local industries, State of NH Grant, United Way and the Federal Bureau of Primary Health Care.
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