Maximizing Access to Health Care Coverage

Community-based programs designed to provide health coverage to working uninsured families are surfacing across the country. The Muskegon (MI) Access Health program was the first. Launched in 1999, it is still going strong. Pueblo, Colorado, Wayne County (Detroit), Michigan, Butler County, OH and Cincinnati, OH have now joined the ranks. Theses programs are financed by premium contributions from employers, employees and other public or nonprofit sources. In the case of Cincinnati, one of the city council members was able to negotiate the use of Community Development Block Grant funds to pay for services rendered through the city's network of primary care clinics. In Butler County, employees can enroll in the HealthShare program that is supported by payments from employers and employees. One of the challenges for these programs is the ability to connect with the prospective members, i.e. employees, to make sure they're aware of the plans since most marketing is targeted to employers. There seem to be missed opportunities by not focusing on the members who have more at stake. These coverage programs offer a "win-win" situation – employees get benefits, employers know they can have a healthier workforce. Is this really a good deal as people are more concerned with holding onto their jobs? Will access to care get pushed back on the agenda for low-income workers? Are there effective, low-cost ways to get the word out to people who have hourly jobs?