The Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP), a national trade association representing not-for-profit safety net health plans, is hosting a roundtable today to discuss how health plans are addressing the social needs of their members by either operating or supporting community resource centers. Francisco Oaxaca, the Chief of Communications and Community Relations at L.A. Care Health Plan, was invited to the roundtable to describe the unique $147 million collaboration with Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan to jointly operate Community Resource Centers across Los Angeles County.
Both health plans are committed to improving the health outcomes of their members and the communities where they live, and the jointly operated centers provide health education and fitness classes, enhance community connections, and address social needs that will help achieve that goal. When fully operational, the centers provide free fitness and nutrition classes, preventive health education, and health screenings for members and community residents. But, they also help to connect people to social services and organizations that can provide things like food and housing assistance.
The centers closed for a period due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but recently reopened for appointment-only visitors, who need to access those social services, need member services, or need help enrolling in a health plan. The centers also offer free Wi-Fi so members and others can conduct telehealth visits, which have become very important during the pandemic.
Oaxaca will describe how such community resource center efforts by health plans will not only improve health outcomes, but over time will also help to reduce costs, as the centers serve as places to help keep people active, healthy and informed.