Access to Healthcare Network: A Model Program to Expand Health Care Access to the Uninsured and Underinsured

This session will present an innovative solution to increasing access to primary and specialty health care for uninsured and under-insured Nevada residents who do not qualify for Medicaid, State Children's Health Insurance Program or employer sponsored insurance. As the first non-profit medical discount plan in the nation, AHN is not an insurance program. This community-based partnership connects area hospitals, local and state government and community agencies with employers, health care providers and the working un/under-insured. This is a unique and comprehensive approach to a complex problem, which coordinates and leverages the public and private resources already expended on healthcare. The presentation will provide an overview of the program's evolution, membership trends, strengths and limitations. The presentation will highlight features of a novel model that may be replicated by other communities. AHN members receive comprehensive services, including medical, dental, vision and other ancillary services. Members are required to pay a modest monthly membership fee to offset costs. Members pay cash at the time of service for substantially discounted medical services and products from providers. Patients below the established income criteria qualify for assistance from the Patient Care Fund, a core component of the program. This special fund was established to subsidize the fees for members who otherwise cannot pay cash at the time of service. Public and private contributors donate funds. Access to Healthcare Network is operated as a non-profit corporation. The guiding philosophy of this program is based on a model of shared responsibility and community partnership.