Book Description

Genesee Health Plan (GHP) is a community-based nonprofit that provides primary care and other basic health care services to 27,000 low-income, uninsured adults in Genesee County, Michigan -- one of the most economically challenged areas of the United States. Its annual budget of $24 million is funded through a dedicated local property tax and charitable support, supplemented by some state and federal financing. By increasing access to physician services and supporting patients to adopt healthy behaviors and manage chronic disease, the plan reduced its enrollees' use of emergency department services by 51 percent between 2004 and 2007 and hospital admissions by 15 percent between 2006 and 2007. GHP relies on independent physicians, clinics, and hospitals to provide services to its members and on collaboration among its community stakeholders -- including local government, hospitals, faith-based organizations, universities, and community groups -- to identify gaps in regional coverage and allocate resources accordingly.