HTuB2 - Project Access: A Multi-Partner Approach to Health Center Growth and Sustainability

Session Description: Increasing access to care is a shared goal for the Health Center Association of Nebraska (HCAN), Nebraska FQHCs, and payors throughout the state. Yet, FQHCs’ ability to enhance capacity and increase access is limited. In February 2023, HCAN, the Centene Foundation, and Nebraska Total Care collaboratively developed Project Access to financially support the Nebraska FQHCs as they address critical challenges in providing access to care. Since its inception, this initiative has focused on increasing access by addressing provider shortages and retaining top talent, improving clinic operations, expanding capacity, and enhancing the workforce pipeline.

In this session, attendees will learn about the value of collaborative partnerships, strategic program oversight, and health center engagement needed to proactively address the healthcare access needs within our local communities. Project Access and the financial contributions from participating Medicaid Managed Care Organizations, private insurance payors, and foundations reflect a shared commitment to improving healthcare access for all Nebraskans. We look forward to sharing data from HCAN's 2024 Project Access Impact Report, including additional patients served, staff hired and retained, state loan repayment matches provided, capital improvement projects completed, and more.

The development, implementation, and expansion of Project Access provides Nebraska FQHCs with additional unrestricted dollars to retain high performers, recruit and remain competitive in a tough fiscal environment, and foster partnerships with academic institutions to grow the workforce of the future. We are making lasting change together, and we look forward to educating session attendees on this successful model.