With the new federal administration in place, changes in the healthcare industry are coming and impacting every aspect of the spectrum. Community Health Centers in particular will face new challenges in 2017. Below are few of the changes we are predicting to take place in the market affecting our FQHC partners in the coming months:
Is grant drought on the horizon?
There is always the risk of grant drought, perhaps now more than ever with ACA marketplaces and exchanges feeling the increasing pressure. Federal healthcare dollars are in limbo with only temporary resolutions in place for the 2017 fiscal year and still up for debate in congress. With the changing political landscape, the allocation of healthcare dollars is amplified with uncertainty. Now is the time to secure revenues with covered visits to ensure long-term sustainability should grant drought become a reality.
Who will manage member Medicaid/Subsidized coverage?
The state? Nope. The member? To a degree. The provider? Definitely. The industry is evolving to Provider Driven Coverage Management. Patients are looking to healthcare providers as their go-to coverage experts when it comes to health. Patients are yearning for providers to manage their coverage proactively, providing patients a one-stop shop for healthcare.
Holistic healthcare, a reality.
FQHCs are well-positioned to foster dynamic patient relationships by going beyond healthcare. In 2017, health centers will become the center for all coverage management including social determinants of health (food and housing assistance, etc.). Providing access to these services, not only creates a better patient experience but also provides a holistic approach to healthcare that is currently lacking.
Regardless of what 2017 brings, one thing is for sure – patients need help getting access to healthcare coverage and managing it. I truly believe the holistic provider-patient relationship is the answer and look forward to seeing how it all unfolds in the New Year.