The Greatest Obstacle in Driving Healthcare Reform

I think that there can be little argument that “fixing” our national healthcare system, and providing access to basic services for every American (and/or resident) is the number one public policy issue in our nation, state, and community today.  There are literally hundreds of the smartest people in the country committing a significant percentage of that substantial gray matter to creating solutions that are politically, fiscally, and practically viable. 

In my work with Grand Valley Health here in Grand Rapids, I spend about 50% of my time talking to schools, churches, and social service organizations about the low-cost, direct access programs that Grand Valley Family Health Center’s offer through our Community Outreach initiative.  In this effort I am, for the most part, warmly welcomed.  It takes little explanation for these folks to recognize a helping hand when they see it.  In many cases the idealistic enthusiasm is overwhelming! 

Unfortunately, it is rarely the teachers, social workers, case managers, or ministers who are most in need.  These dedicated folks serve as conduits, helping the families they serve find the resources they need.  For their part, organizations like Grand Valley Family Health open their doors, offer free assistance in applying for the various programs, an forgo profits in order to keep costs as low as possible. 

In the last several weeks, Grand Valley Family Health Centers has hosted 2 Open House events, complete with free food, entertainment, prizes, balloons, free health screenings, and the opportunity to consult with health pros about resources for gaining access to a doctor.  I am sorry to report that despite an enormous amount of communication and promotion around these events, the attendance was… underwhelming.

Which brings me to the point of this post.  The greatest obstacle in driving healthcare reform in the United States, Michigan, and Grand Rapids is not partisan politics, greedy doctors, self-serving insurance companies, or the need for tort-reform.  Although ALL of these issues DO need to be addressed.  The greatest obstacle to driving reform in healthcare is APATHY!  For most of us, proactive preventative health falls way toward the bottom of our personal list of priorities.  When we do need to see a doctor, we have been conditioned to expect the “Wal-Mart” approach: fast, cheap, & convenient.  

We can have every physician, politician, economist, and MENSA Member in the country working full-time on fixing the Healthcare conundrum, and we will never move off square one until we can convince the general public to take a personal interest in their own health.

Accessing Healthcare in Troubled Times

On the off chance that you didn’t see the memo, the economy has been struggling a little bit recently.  A couple of days ago the Associated Press quoted recent Census statistics, saying that the number of people without health insurance in Michigan has grown to nearly 12% of the population, trailing only Alaska and New Mexico for the top spot in the U.S. 

I realize that this is not exactly new information for most of us.  However, there is a point of clarification that I believe needs to be made in the midst of the massive onslaught of health care news that we are  hammered by every day…  Are you ready for it?

“Health Insurance” and “Health Care” are two completely different things.  Loss of healthcare coverage is not necessarily an obstacle to receiving the important health services you and your family require. 

We are extremely fortunate here in West Michigan to live in a region of the country that consistently steps to the plate when it comes to supporting their neighbors in need.  Generally speaking, if you suddenly find yourself in a tough spot, chances are there is a group of people in Greater Grand Rapids that is ready and willing to lend a hand. 

Conversely, we are also a proud, hardworking, and independant group.  While these are all generally positive attributes, they can sometimes be obstacles to making connections in times of crisis.   Another challenge, that was pointed out to me at a recent public forum of healthcare professionals, is that service providers are not always as good at communicating their services as they are at delivering them.  In other words, how do people get educated on what assistance is available?   Sometimes availabile resources languish on shelves simply because those in need don’t know who or how to ask for them.

In an effort to bridge that divide, I offer this brief list of resources.  My list is primarily targeted at accessing healthcare services in the greater Grand Rapids  area.  But I would also like to open up the conversation to others, either providers or prospective recipients, to post comments and grow this list of resources in any way that improves access to those in need.  As additions are posted I will collect  and categorize them into one “master” list for general public use.

Direct Access Primary Healthcare Resources in Grand Rapids:

• GVHP PrimeCare – Offered by Grand Valley Family Health Centers, PrimeCare is pre-paid visits with a doctor and offers 4 visits over a  12-month period for just $190.00.  Most standard primary care services, including sick care, annual physicals, x-rays, diagnostic lab services and discounts on over-the-counter medications are included.  There are no copays, deductibles, or pre-existing conditions.  PrimeCare is not insurance and therefore does not include care in an emergency room, with a specialist, or in-patient hospitalization.  Click on the link for more information: http://www.gvhp.com/news.php?id=93
• Center for Family Health, West Michigan – The Healthcare Bridge Program takes care of your family’s routine illnesses and simple injuries for just $25 per appointment.  There are no insurance claims, and no need to move medical records.   The program is for 90 days following first appt.-no limit on visits.  To qualify you must have lost healthcare coverage.  Click on the link for more information: http://www.centerforfamilyhealth.com/index.php
• MIChild – MIChild is a health insurance program. It is for uninsured children of Michigan’s working families. MIChild services are provided by many HMOs and other health care plans throughout Michigan.  For more information and to apply online click on the link: http://tinyurl.com/mfkqqz
• Kent Health Plan –  Kent Health Plan Corporation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that was formed in May 2001. Its purpose is to provide innovative programs that improve access to healthcare for thousands of low-income people in Kent County without health insurance.  For more information, click on the link: http://www.kenthealthplan.org/ 
• Cherry Street Health Services – Cherry Street Health Services provides Health Care to Grand Rapids area and surrounding communities.  In addition to medical care, Cherry street also offers dental care, nutrition, and social work services in several locations throughout the greater Grand Rapids area.  Click on the link for more information: http://www.cherryhealth.org