Author: Kailee Curtis

Access to Healthcare Outreach and Enrollment

Access to health care impacts one's overall physical, social, and mental health status and quality of life, but getting access to health care can be challenging, especially for people who have low or moderate incomes. Health care coverage can be expensive, and navigating the Health Insurance Marketplace or Medicaid can be confusing. BEDHD staff understand the unique challenges of enrolling in health care programs, and are available to help individuals enroll in a health plan that is right for them.

Key Positions
Community Health Promotion Specialist
Public Health Nurse
Clinic Support Staff

Combined FTE: 2.81

Aligns with BEDHD Strategic Priorities:

A strong, healthy start in life
Enhance involvement, engagement, and collaboration

Meets Public Health Standards:

Services:
BEDHD staff helps connect people with tools and information on different health insurance options. This includes helping people apply for Medicaid, the Healthy Michigan Plan, MIChild, or another affordable health insurance program. BEDHD staff can also help people navigate the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Additionally, BEDHD community health promotion specialists actively attend health fairs and other events to increase knowledge and awareness of health care coverage and assistance.
Goals:
Outreach and enrollment activities aim to:
Help persons in the community gain access to appropriate and affordable health insurance
Promote the use of preventative health care to prevent disease
Prevent financial crises in persons due to unexpected medical emergencies

ü	Michigan Public Health Code
	Michigan Local Public Health Accreditation
ü	Public Health Accreditation Board

Health Improvement Efforts:

	Barry Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan
ü	Eaton Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plan

FY17 Funding Sources for BEDHD Outreach and Enrollment Efforts:

Local Funding

Medicaid

Impact:
In 2017, BEDHD staff attended 35 health fairs where they promoted Medicaid and other health insurance options.