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Report Shows How Safety Net Health Plans Support Their Communities During the Pandemic
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 6, 2020
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Jeff Van Ness, (202) 204-7515, jvanness@communityplans.net
REPORT SHOWS HOW SAFETY NET HEALTH PLANS SUPPORT THEIR COMMUNITIES DURING THE PANDEMIC
More than $175 million donated to support members, providers, community organizations
Safety Net Health Plans have provided more than $175 million in support of members, providers, and community organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report released by the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP) today.
Safety Net Health Plans, which serve more than 20 million low-income, high-need enrollees—more than one-third of all people in Medicaid managed care, are providing relief to providers and community health centers combatting the pandemic and supporting community groups addressing social determinants of health during the crisis.
“Safety Net Health Plans have always had a close connection to the communities they serve,” said ACAP CEO Margaret A. Murray. “The pandemic has placed tremendous pressure on communities, health care providers, and plans alike; the report shows the many admirable ways in which our plans responded.”
The ways that the report found ACAP-member plans to support their communities include:
- Sourcing personal protective equipment for providers and community health centers;
- Supporting food access through donations to food banks and food delivery organizations;
- Providing isolation shelters for homeless members who have COVID but do not need to be hospitalized;
- Creating relief funds for provider networks; and
- Donating to community organizations working to address social health needs including food, housing, and education.
The $175 million total includes a $10,000 donation made by ACAP to Meals on Wheels. The organization reported requests for service doubled beginning in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Find the report in full at www.communityplans.net.
About ACAP:
ACAP represents 77 health plans, which collectively provide health coverage to more than 20 million people. Safety Net Health Plans serve their members through Medicaid, Medicare, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Marketplace and other publicly-sponsored health programs. For more information, visit www.communityplans.net.
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