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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Theresa Benincasa, PhD, Andrea Lomrantz, MS, Ingrid Parris-Hicklin, and Emily Byrant. Fairfax County Office of Partnerships, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 432, Fairfax, VA 22033, (703) 324-5171, theresa.benincasa@fairfaxcounty.gov

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 8.3 million children were without health insurance in 2004. Both the number and rate of children who are uninsured has remained similar since 2000. Uninsured children are more likely to go without health care, receive delayed care or have prescriptions unfilled.

In Fairfax County, Virginia, an innovative public-private partnership between the county government, medical and philanthropic communities has linked uninsured children with medical homes for more than two decades. Multiple partnerships with health care providers have facilitated this service to a low-income, culturally diverse population. The Medical Care for Children Partnership (MCCP) strives to provide health care that is consistent with the American Academy of Pediatrics' recommendations for a medical home: comprehensive, family-centered and sensitive to families' cultural needs.

This presentation will describe three types of partnerships MCCP utilizes to serve its 4,000-member client base: a decentralized network of 500 private practitioners, a large group medical practice that sees 190 patients and a health maintenance organization that sees 1,000 patients. Data collected on utilization of services, cost and parent perceptions of care quality and language access will be compared between the large group practice and the HMO. Case management that increases the likelihood that families will obtain the necessary care for their children is also discussed.

Those interested in working with local medical communities to establish such partnerships and create medical homes for the working poor will learn about program implementation and how the program is perceived and utilized.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to

• Describe strengths and limitations of three types of public-private health care partnerships that provide a safety net for uninsured children at the local level.
• Identify four components of a medical home for a low-income, culturally diverse population of uninsured children.
• Articulate how health care services are utilized among children and perceived by parents.

Keywords: Access to Health Care, Public/Private Partnerships

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation