ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – It’s a first-in-the-nation program adopted by the state that will allow for more equitable healthcare coverage no matter what economic, educational and language barriers a person may have.
Meridian Health Plan of Illinois is one of the largest government-sponsored managed care organizations in the country and provides coverage for almost a million people throughout the state. Now they partner with The Joint Commission to offer an incentive to local and statewide hospitals that address health care disparities.
“I think this will be a beneficial program for Rockford residents and the state of Illinois alike,” said Karla Lewis with the organization. “The certification program really provides our hospital partners with a set of standards and procedures to guide them in the right direction.”
Lewis says these hospitals can participate in a voluntary health care equity certification program by means of an application and onsite survey fee. This is the first in the nation Medicaid health plan that offers reimbursement and other incentives for completing this certification.
“If you are able to provide information to everybody by the nature of knowing more and having more awareness you are going to increase health equity,” says Manorama Khare with the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford.
Lewis says safety net and critical access hospitals will receive a 25& reimbursement for completing this certification. All other hospitals will receive a 15% reimbursement.
Meanwhile, city leaders partner with the University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford. for its Rockford Ready initiative to address health literacy thanks to a grant funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
“So that they know when they go to a provider what questions to ask, they understand what’s being told to them so they can understand the advice that’s been given to them.”
The city and university will host three different town hall meetings in April for residents to learn about this initiative and talk with area leaders:
12:30 pm to 1:30 pm Saturday, April 6 at Comprehensive Community Solutions (917 S. Main St., Rockford)
12:30 pm to 1:30 pm Saturday, April 13 at Hope Fellowship Church (1135 E. State St., Rockford)
12:30 pm to 1:30 pm Saturday, April 20 at Guysie Jenkins Community Resource Center (911 Michigan Ave., Rockford)
Copyright 2024 WIFR. All rights reserved.