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Page 1 of 3 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. |
| Health Systems, Health Authority Announce Safety Net Initiatives |
DETROIT -- The leaders of health systems serving Wayne County have agreed to pursue initiatives that will help contain uncompensated care which has been an increasing fiscal burden and create systems that will more appropriately and cost-effectively meet the health and social needs of uninsured and underinsured people. |
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