Centene Foundation and NACHC Join Forces to Transform Community Health Centers Nationwide

Centene Foundation Partners with NACHC: A New Era for Community Health

In a significant move to bolster community health delivery, the Centene Foundation has announced a three-year partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). This initiative aims to improve maternal and child health outcomes and expand the adoption of value-based payment models across Community Health Centers (CHCs) nationwide, ultimately serving one in five Medicaid beneficiaries.

A Commitment to Value-Based Care

The Centene Foundation, the philanthropic organization of healthcare giant Centene Corporation, is pledging $3 million over the next three years. The focus is set on enhancing the quality of care provided through CHCs, which are critical in offering affordable, comprehensive healthcare to underserved populations. Value-based payment models are at the heart of this initiative, promoting the integration of high-quality services and essential wrap-around support, including transportation and patient education.

The partnership will kick off with a national strategy designed to evaluate and encourage CHCs to adopt value-based care practices. An annual survey will assess their engagement with these models, and insights gained will inform a tailored educational curriculum. This curriculum aims to boost literacy around value-based care and is supplemented by NACHC's Elevate learning platform.

Tackling Maternal and Child Health Disparities

As CHCs evolve, addressing the maternal and child health crisis becomes paramount. In response to worsening disparities in recent years, this partnership will launch the Maternal Health Innovation Exchange, a platform dedicated to reducing inequities affecting maternal and child health outcomes based on race, ethnicity, and geography. The Exchange will promote knowledge sharing among CHCs, facilitating education on best practices in maternal healthcare delivery.

An 18-month quality improvement program will also be launched in up to 20 health centers. This program will utilize evidence-based interventions to support pregnant individuals facing health risks such as hypertension and diabetes. Virtual care follow-ups and self-care tools will also be a core part of this initiative.

Support for Historically Underserved Communities

Centene's CEO, Sarah M. London, emphasized the importance of CHCs in the healthcare system, stating, "CHCs are vital partners in care delivery who truly understand the populations we jointly serve because they are deeply embedded in the community." The partnership signifies a commitment to expanding resources and solutions aimed at improving health outcomes for historically underserved populations while enhancing efficiency for healthcare providers.

Since their inception nearly 60 years ago, CHCs have made significant strides in enhancing health outcomes, serving 32.5 million people across the United States. They provide vital services that help divert patients from costly hospitalizations and emergency care, making them indispensable in today's healthcare landscape.

Kyu Rhee, President and CEO of NACHC, echoed this sentiment, stating that the partnership with the Centene Foundation positions CHCs to enhance capacity and efficiency while addressing critical maternal health issues.

A Vision for the Future

Both Centene Foundation and NACHC are committed to fostering an equitable healthcare environment where high-quality, patient-centered care is accessible to all. By investing in CHCs and promoting value-based care, they aim to tackle systemic disparities in health outcomes and ensure better health for vulnerable communities.

This collaboration marks a pivotal step in reshaping the landscape of community health delivery, demonstrating a strong commitment to uplifting those in need through strategic partnerships and innovative care models.