Health Net Corporate Social Responsibility Program
As part of Health Net’s Corporate Social Responsibility program, Health Net Healthy Communities, Healthy Net of Oregon donated $22,000 to Project Access NOW to support its care coordination program.
Since March of 2008, more than 6,400 uninsured and low-income people have been connected to primary and specialty care through a network of healthcare providers convened by Project Access NOW in the Portland Metropolitan Area. Nearly 3,000 providers comprise this volunteer network that allows these individuals to get needed care in a way that is dignified and convenient for both the patient and the provider.
The Portland Metropolitan Area is fortunate to have several safety net clinics that serve low-income, uninsured patients. The need for care is greater than the clinics can meet alone and Project Access NOW supports the safety net by connecting to broader resources in a way that is equitable and easy to do. Volunteer healthcare providers agree to accept a specific number of referrals per year into their practice and then are supported by Project Access NOW Care Coordinators.
Dr. Monina Pascua, MD and PharmD, is a Project Access NOW volunteer and Health Net provider. “My partners and I at Gastroenterology Specialists of Oregon have enjoyed our partnership with Project Access,” said Pascua. “We believe this model is successful because the patients are screened regarding their clinical and financial needs, and are guided through the process. The patients have been very appreciative of the care provided to them and the staff at Project Access NOW has always been responsive to our questions.”
Health Net’s grant in support of the care coordination program that Dr. Pascua refers to helps to make sure patients keep their appointments (they have a 97% show rate), arrange and pay for interpretation, and help patients overcome any other obstacles they face in getting their healthcare needs met. Patients are pre-approved for medically necessary hospital based care (including labs and imaging) and have a pharmacy benefit.
“The primary focus of our Corporate Social Responsibility program is to improve access to care in low-income communities,” said Chris Ellertson, president of Health Net of Oregon. “Project Access NOW not only addresses this dire need in Portland but also helps to ensure that doctors and hospitals can provide this care in an effective and organized way that promotes healthy outcomes for patients.”
Looking to Volunteer?
Project Access NOW allows healthcare providers to offer donated care in a way that is convenient for them. If your practice does not participate with Project Access NOW, you can learn more about joining their volunteer network in the Portland Metro Area.
If you already provide services for Project Access NOW patients, thank you. We would love to keep you informed of our activities and ask you to sign up for our e-newsletter on our website.
