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Purpose of Report:
This report outlines the characteristics of the region and summarizes issues facing each medical service area. It includes population demographics, special health needs of the population, the major employers, health plans for the region, and an overview of the health delivery system. It also outlines key issues facing the region's delivery system. In addition, four rural areas surrounding South Bend, McCleary/Elma, Shelton, and Morton were studied and local issues were identified. In an era of increased competition and the growth of managed care, it is important to improve integration and coordination while cutting costs. Regional partnerships will benefit the entire region.
The report proposes four possible eligibility criteria for the program, as follows:
- must meet all of the eligibility criteria for the
Basic Health;
- must have an income below 100% of the federal poverty level;
- must not be eligible for any other publicly sponsored program; and
- must reside in the sponsoring community for at least one year.
Five options for health insurance access for the currently uninsured are also examined in detail, of which some combination of three are recommended for possible implementation:
- help subsidize employee costs of employer-sponsored health insurance; and/or
- purchase or subsidize catastrophic insurance, and provide case management; and/or
- resume BHP sponsorship, as the most cost-effective way to leverage funds.
The first two approaches are recommended to be pilot tested in one or more areas where strong local interest and leadership are apparent. Five key steps for implementing these pilots are outlined, as follows:
1) refining the selected approaches;
2) choosing the pilot site(s);
3) developing a detailed work plan and schedule by site;
4) resolving legal issues; and
5) obtaining the needed funding.
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