Community Health Plan Backgrounder
Origins
Community Health Plan of Washington was created in 1992 by a group of community health centers across Washington State that believed traditional health plans were not meeting the needs of their patients. For more than 30 years, the underinsured and low-income have relied on local clinics for comprehensive, quality, primary health care services, and access to other vital local community services. The health plan's collaboration with its community health center delivery system gives it unique strengths, specifically the ability to address the comprehensive health needs of the communities it serves.
Mission
The mission of Community Health Plan of Washington is to deliver accessible managed care services that meet the needs and improve the health of our communities and make managed care participation beneficial for community-responsive providers.
Health Care Delivery System
Community Health Plan of Washington provides coverage for people in 39 Washington counties. Members receive services from more than 2,725 primary care providers and 14,350 specialists at more than 596 primary care sites and more than 100 hospitals. The sixth largest health program in Washington (commercial or nonprofit), Community Health Plan is the state's largest provider for the Basic Health program and the second largest health plan serving members of the state's managed Medicaid program, which includes Healthy Options and the Children's Health Insurance Program. The Plan is the only insurer for the Medical Care Services and Washington Health Program products.
Providers in this statewide delivery system are dedicated to a common mission, and focus on treating the entire person, providing translation, transportation, dental, and mental health in addition to primary, preventive care.
Populations Served
A sense of mission and strength in cultural competence are part of Community Health Plan's service to more than 279,000 individuals and families throughout Washington state. The Plan is a recognized leader in creating health care products and providing services tailored to meet the needs of low-income individuals and families, diverse ethnic groups, recent immigrants, and people with complex health conditions.
Combined, these populations comprise a substantial portion of Washington State's underserved and underinsured population who would not have access to needed health care services if it were not for the efforts and intervention of Community Health Plan.
Health Care Policy
Community Health Plan of Washington fills the gap left by other health plans and serves the under- and uninsured as a vocal, visible catalyst for change, responding to emerging needs and improving existing systems. The health plan passionately advocates for policy that ensures access to health care for every Washington resident. From Main Street to Olympia to Washington, D.C., the health plan organizes at the grassroots level while working closely with legislators and regulators to shape policy that is more effective.
Community Investments
Unlike traditional health plans, Community Health Plan of Washingto measures success by the health care dollars it returns to its communities.
In total, for every one dollar spent within the Community Health Plan system, the state realizes a $1.77 output. That output multiplier is 3.54 for each Medicaid dollar spent.
Additionally, each year Community Health Plan reinvests back into the community health centers by funding measures that improve service quality and access to care.
Simply put, the Plan makes a positive impact in the health of Washington residents, supports community health centers, and significantly contributes to the financial health of Washington state.
For more information, contact:
Jan Sheeley, Sales & Communications Manager
206-613-5046