Visclosky Announces HealthLinc of Valparaiso to Receive Federal Support

Press Release

Today, Congressman Visclosky announced that HealthLinc, Inc. of Valparaiso has been selected by the Department of Health and Human Services as one of 500 community health centers across the country that will receive a share of $42 million over the next three years to improve coordination and quality of care as part of the Advanced Primary Care Practice demonstration. Created by the Affordable Care Act, the Advanced Primary Care Practice demonstration will allow Medicare payments to be used for such things as helping patients manage chronic conditions, providing urgent care, and expanding service hours.

"Health centers are integral parts of our communities," said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Donald M. Berwick, M.D. "This initiative will give participating health centers the help they need to improve care for many people with Medicare who rely on them as their main source of care."

The demonstration will allow CMS to assess the effects of paying a care coordination fee to community health centers, and the impacts that such a fee has on quality of care and in providing services that would normally be provided only in an advanced primary care practice.

Visclosky said, "In many of our communities, community health centers are the main source of primary care. We need to make sure that we are supporting these health centers, and helping them to realize a higher quality of care. Not only will this demonstration program improve coordination and management at these centers, it will also ensure that Medicare dollars are spent more effectively. I congratulate HealthLinc on being chosen to participate in this program, and look forward to seeing its positive impact for our residents and Medicare beneficiaries."

Beth Wrobel, CEO of HealthLinc, said "HealthLinc is excited to be able to be part of this Medicare Advanced Primary Care Practice demonstration. We will show that when our older adult patients are provided primary care in a medical home setting, the results will be improved care and healthier patients at a reduced costs. This program is crucial to the baby boomers of Northwest Indiana who are moving towards becoming Medicare recipients. We appreciate Congressman Visclosky's support of our efforts."

This trial will be conducted from November 1, 2011 through October 31, 2014. Participating health centers will be paid a monthly fee for each eligible person with Medicare that receives primary care services.

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