For nearly two decades, the Virginia Coordinated Care Program (VCC), spearheaded by VCU Health, has played a pivotal role in connecting uninsured individuals with essential primary care services across Virginia communities. This impactful initiative, which is concluding on October 31st, has significantly improved healthcare access and outcomes for vulnerable populations.
To understand the program’s legacy and impact, VCU News engaged in a conversation with Sheryl Garland, chief of health impact at VCU Health, who was instrumental in establishing VCC in 2000.
Understanding the Virginia Coordinated Care Program
The Virginia Coordinated Care Program was designed to bridge the gap in healthcare access for uninsured Virginians. It ensured that these individuals could receive routine and preventive care from community-based providers, offering a crucial alternative to relying on emergency rooms for primary healthcare needs. VCU Health has been the sole funding organization for this program throughout its 19-year tenure, demonstrating a strong commitment to community health.
The Genesis and Community Impact of VCC
In the early 2000s, the landscape of healthcare access for uninsured individuals was significantly different. While programs like the state-supported Indigent Care Program, managed by VCU Health System and the University of Virginia, offered financial aid, a concerning trend emerged: uninsured patients were increasingly utilizing emergency departments for non-emergency medical issues. This highlighted a critical need for accessible primary care options, leading to the creation of VCC.
Image alt text: Sheryl Garland, VCU Health chief of health impact, discussing the Virginia Coordinated Care Program.
Since its inception in 2000, the Virginia Coordinated Care Program has facilitated healthcare services for over 90,250 uninsured patients who qualified for the Indigent Care Program. By connecting these individuals with medical homes within a network of 50 community partners, VCC has demonstrably enhanced patient health and reduced reliance on costly emergency services. Data collected over the past 19 years reveals impressive outcomes, including a 52% decrease in emergency department visits and a 49% reduction in inpatient hospital admissions among VCC members. These statistics underscore the program’s effectiveness in promoting preventive care and managing health conditions in primary care settings.
The End of an Era: Why VCC is Concluding
The decision to conclude the Virginia Coordinated Care Program is directly linked to the positive development of Medicaid expansion in Virginia. An overwhelming 95% of current VCC members are now eligible for Medicaid under the expanded program. This significant shift ensures that a vast majority of individuals who previously relied on VCC now have access to comprehensive primary and preventive care through Medicaid. In essence, Medicaid expansion has effectively addressed the core need that VCC was created to fulfill.
Over the past year, the focus of VCC has strategically shifted towards assisting its members in enrolling in Medicaid. This proactive approach aims to ensure a seamless transition and continuity of care for patients as VCC concludes its operations on October 31st.
Transition and Options for VCC Members
The expansion of Medicaid eligibility presents numerous opportunities for former VCC members. Crucially, individuals enrolled in Medicaid can choose to remain with the same community primary care providers they were connected with through VCC, as all participating providers also accept Medicaid patients. A recent survey of community care partners indicated that the vast majority of VCC enrollees have opted to maintain their established relationships with their medical homes even after transitioning to Medicaid. This continuity of care is a testament to the strong patient-provider relationships fostered by the Virginia Coordinated Care Program.
Navigating Healthcare Options for the Uninsured
For individuals in Virginia who remain uninsured, resources are still available. VCU Health’s Financial Counseling Call Center stands ready to assist patients in exploring and enrolling in any programs for which they may qualify. Anyone with questions or seeking guidance is encouraged to contact the call center at (804) 828-0966. Furthermore, individuals who may have been denied Medicaid in the past are advised to reapply, as eligibility criteria have changed with the recent expansion.
Image alt text: Doctor consulting with a patient, highlighting primary care access through programs like Virginia Coordinated Care.
Beyond Medicaid, uninsured patients can continue to access healthcare services through VCU Health System, as well as through a network of free clinics and federally qualified health centers located throughout Central Virginia. These resources provide vital safety nets for those still navigating the complexities of healthcare access.
The Virginia Coordinated Care Program leaves behind a legacy of improved health outcomes and enhanced access to primary care for thousands of uninsured Virginians. Its success paved the way for a future where expanded Medicaid coverage promises to further strengthen the healthcare safety net across the Commonwealth.
