Frequently Asked Questions | Frequently Asked Questions

e-Path Newsletter

It's free! Enter your email below to know what's happening in Detroit and Wayne County's safety net.

Frequently Asked Questions

Article Index
Frequently Asked Questions
Page 2
Page 3
All Pages

What is a health authority?
Health authorities are publicly-sponsored organizations that coordinate the delivery of health care to uninsured and underinsured populations. In some communities, health authorities manage hospitals and health centers. In Detroit and Wayne County, the Health Authority strengthens safety net services, such as community health centers and free clinics, provide referral information for services such as discount prescriptions, and advocates for public policy that enhances access for the uninsured and underinsured populations.
The Health Authority is a “public body corporate,” which means that it is a public corporation, but most importantly, it is community-based. Through its Board of Directors and advisory committees, provider and community input drives the priorities of the organization.

Why do we need a health authority?
The growing number of uninsured and underinsured people in our society, and the economic pressures on the health care system in general, require a public organization to intervene. Private health care institutions, while committed to caring for all people, need to operate like a business, which prevents them from dedicating the necessary resources to caring for all of the uninsured and underinsured. Health centers and free clinics often operate independent of one-another and lack an advocacy voice. Also, there are many people who qualify for health insurance coverage and don’t know it. Health authorities help people find insurance and services, while strengthening the organizations and networks that provide the services.

What services does the Detroit Wayne County Health Authority provide?

Extensive Medicaid enrollment. There are more than 30 different options within the Medicaid program that cover health care services. The Health Authority is empowered by the Interlocal agreement between the City of Detroit, Wayne County, and State of Michigan Department of Community Health to manage and improve the viability and effectiveness of the health care safety net in the Detroit- Wayne County region. Through this agreement, the Health Authority maintains close contact with Michigan Medicaid officials and changing regulations, contracts with health systems and with other organizations to provide Medicaid enrollment services, reducing the numbers of uninsured people. Also, the Health Authority works at community events, informing people about options within the Medicaid program.
Coordinate and develop community health services. Through the Provider Advisory Committee and Primary Care Network Council , the Health Authority promotes communication and collaboration between community health centers and clinics, development of new centers, and leverages relationships to promote access to services like discount pharmacy for those who are underinsured. The Health Authority undertakes projects to resolve community issues, such as the East Side Initiative, which helps coordinate services on Detroit’s east side following the closure of Detroit Riverview Hospital. The Health Authority also works with hospital emergency departments to develop alternatives for people who use emergency services as their primary care resource.

Provide comprehensive information on safety net services. The Health Authority‘s Safety Net Resource Center provides an annual report on the status of safety net providers in Detroit and Wayne County, including reference sources regarding topics relating to care for the uninsured and underinsured. The Safety Net Resource Center also coordinates research on the uninsured and underinsured.
Offer creative community health programs through collaboration of health care resources. In 2008, the Health Authority developed an innovative approach to reaching families in Inkster through a student physical program for every student in that school district. Through this community health initiative, students receive health screening they might not have received otherwise and referrals to medical home providers for continued care. Their parents receive information about Medicaid and other insurance options as well. The Inkster model is applicable to other school districts.
Advocate for services and public policy that improves safety net resources. The Health Authority is the voice of the uninsured and underinsured in Detroit and Wayne County. Its connections with local and state health officials, elected officials, and community leaders helps ensure that public policy is informed by the needs of the uninsured and underinsured.

How is the Health Authority financed?
Although it is a public corporation, the Health Authority does not receive direct public funding. Its funding comes through contractual arrangements with health systems for Medicaid enrollment services and related matching grants from the Medicaid program. It also receives funds from corporate and philanthropic organizations such as Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation, the McGregor Fund, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. General community donations help build the Community Education Fund, providing an alternative source of revenue to help promote community health resources in the area, as well as community health services such as school physical programs.

VIEW INDEX

Vital Signs

View Video 1 in the series

View Video 2 in the series

Obesity Summit News Release

Obesity Task Force Hosts National Expert on Childhood Obesity
DETROIT - Adam Becker, PhD, MPH, Executive Director, Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children (CLOCC), will be the presiding speaker for the “Childhood Obesity Planning Summit,” scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 1, 9 a.m. to noon, at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Detroit Tower, 600 East Lafayette, Detroit. Free parking will be provided in the Blue Cross parking structure.