Health care alternative is available

With the campaign season in full swing, we regularly hear about new health reform proposals that target insurance coverage as a sure fix for what ails our health care system. But at Sunset Community Health Centers the growing line of patients outside our doors demonstrates one simple truth: Millions of people, insured and uninsured alike, are relying on health centers like ours for care.

As we mark National Health Center Week (Aug. 10-16), there are 56 million people in this country without a source of primary care to help them stay healthy and out of emergency rooms. According to the National Association of Community Health Centers and the Robert Graham Center, many of these people have health insurance but no place to go for care. It doesn't have to be that way.

At Sunset Community Health Centers, we are proud to be part of an aggressive new plan called Access for All America that will bridge the widening gap between the demand for primary health care services and the available supply. How? By expanding and strengthening a community health system that, for more than 40 years, has achieved cost savings by increasing access to preventive health services. The payoff is a strengthened primary care infrastructure and healthier communities.

Health centers save the health care system an estimated $9.9 billion to $17.6 billion a year by providing care to anyone, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status. The cost of treating a health center patient is 41 percent lower than other providers, easily establishing the health center program as a sound taxpayer investment. In fact, the program was rated one of the most effective federal programs by the White House Office of Management and Budget.

The goal of Access is to serve 30 million people by the year 2015 and, ultimately, all of America's medically disenfranchised. Putting Access into action requires continued investment and strong partnership from many stakeholders.

Health centers will need $10.5 billion in federal and state funds for the development and renovation of facilities and equipment. In addition, health centers will need more primary care doctors and health professionals to serve communities in need. Health centers will also look to pharmaceutical companies for their continued commitment to patient assistance programs, like Pfizer Sharing the Care which helped more than 7,500 health center patients in Arizona get free Pfizer medicines last year.

Improving both health insurance coverage and access to care are important steps to fixing our ailing health care system. Without adequate support for America's health centers, we miss the opportunity to pursue the real cost-saving strategy: Preempt the $18 billion wasted each year on avoidable and costly visits to the ER by treating patients when their health and illnesses are still manageable.

This National Health Center Week, we must spread the message that there is already a system of care in place that saves lives and deserves continued investment and public support. Best of all, you don't need an insurance card to get in the door.

---
David D. Rogers is chief executive officer of Sunset Community Health Centers, which has clinics in Yuma, San Luis, Wellton and Somerton.