What is Access to Healthcare Network?

Access to health care for the uninsured in Washoe County, as well as in the rest of the state, is a well-documented problem. Based on federal designations of provider shortages, lack of insurance, and other barriers to utilization, Nevada ranks 49th in the country in access to medical, dental, and mental health care.

To address this issue, a group of community-collaborators held a series of Community Forums to develop a single, unified strategy for improving health care in Washoe County. This evolving collaborative planning process led to the successful attainment of a Healthy Communities Access Program (HCAP) grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). This funding has facilitated the development of the Access to Healthcare Network.

At AHN we believe there are many components to the solution of caring for the uninsured, and we are an integral part of the solution.  Through our Shared Responsibility Model we engage all the key stakeholders including local and state government, providers, hospitals, employers and members in the development and sustainability of this alternative health care delivery system.  Each segment has a vital role to play in our long-term sustainability strategy.

Recently, the Nevada State Legislative Committee on Health Care voted in favor of a Bill Draft Request for seed money for AHN.  The BDR also includes language allowing employers to receive a tax credit for paying for their employees to enroll in the Network.  Employee-based membership is the cornerstone of AHN's business plan, allowing us to generate revenue for on-going operations and expansion.

AHN continues to enroll physicians in the Network, with primary and specialty care physicians enrolling weekly. The physicians that have enrolled are enthusiastic about the program and look forward to seeing AHN patients beginning in early, 2007.