Washtenaw Health Initiative Fast Facts

• In January 2011, a diverse group of community leaders came together to talk about how they could better serve the low income, uninsured, and Medicaid populations in Washtenaw County. Those individuals sparked what has become a voluntary, county-wide collaboration to assess the current situation in Washtenaw County and address key gaps wherever possible – an effort called the Washtenaw Health Initiative.
• The effort now includes more than 60 individuals representing more than 30 community organizations and services, and continues to grow. To date, the effort includes representatives from the University of Michigan Health System, Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, health plans, county government, community services, physicians, and safety net providers. These representatives have donated their time and expertise with the goal of improving the health of our citizens, today and in the future.
• The University of Michigan Health System and Saint Joseph Mercy Health System in Ann Arbor, Michigan, sponsor the effort. A Steering Committee oversees the planning and development work of four sub-committees (called Work Groups): Mental Health and Substance Use Care, Primary Care Capacity and Coordination, Medicaid and Insurance Exchange Eligibility and Enrollment and Community Outreach and Dental Services.
• Discussions have focused on (1) meeting the existing and future need for a better Medicaid enrollment and eligibility process; and (2) providing better access to patient-centered and coordinated care in Washtenaw County for the low income, uninsured, and Medicaid populations now and in preparation for the likelihood there will be a significant increase in the county’s Medicaid population, when the major provisions of health reform go into effect in 2014.
• In the initial phase of this project, baseline information was collected using survey information, expert opinion and other sources around how the Medicaid enrollment and eligibility process works today, demographics, the current health care delivery system in Washtenaw County, and the challenges it faces in meeting demand in key areas – both today and in 2014.
• Recommendations and implementation proposals developed by the sub-committees aim to bridge some of the identified gaps in access to care –and expected additional stresses on the health care system in the future—in Washtenaw County.
• The hope is that this unique group will establish the foundation for a voluntary, sustainable and non-governmental health planning effort.