Medicaid Managed Care - U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging

Im. Community
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Health plans should affirmatively and continuously
identify and respond to the
needs of their communities. While the
appropriate definition of community service
will vary among plans, it should
extend beyond enrollees and include vulnerable
and underserved populations
within the plan's geographic area. In addition,
plans should be culturally competent.
Their programs and services should meet
the needs of persons from various backgrounds
who have different perceptions
and reactions to health issues.
Plans demonstrate accountability to their
communities and commitment to community
service by:
1. providing benefits to the community
in response to community needs,
including:
* efforts to promote health and
prevent disease and injury
among the enrolled population
and in the broad community
* outreach services provided
directly by the plan, by participating
providers of the plan, and in
collaboration with other public and
private service organizations, and
* the provision of care to persons
unable to pay, underserved
portions of the community, and
high risk patients,
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