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Second Edition of ACAP’s “Pathway to Improve Health Equity” Report Highlights Association’s Continuing Efforts to Reduce Health Disparities
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 24, 2024
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Samantha Anderson, (202) 420-7424, sanderson@communityplans.net
SECOND EDITION OF ACAP’S “PATHWAY TO IMPROVE HEALTH EQUITY” REPORT HIGHLIGHTS ASSOCIATION’S CONTINUING EFFORTS TO REDUCE HEALTH DISPARITIES
WASHINGTON—A new report from the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP) highlights the ways health equity has been, and continues to be, an area of significant emphasis for the organization and its 82 member Safety Net Health Plans.
The Pathway to Improve Health Equity: The Next Steps, ACAP’s second report on the subject, builds on the groundwork laid by the initial Pathway document from 2022. It details the key learnings and progress of the Association over the past two years and highlights the significant extent to which health equity requires intention to Listen and Learn, dedication to utilize Measurement and Analysis to guide the improvement that is envisioned, and persistence to implement policies to Improve Health Equity.
The report also details specific policy advances that have been accomplished as well as focus areas that must be continually monitored to best assess and maximize their impact on health equity, including:
- Investing in Social Determinants of Health
- Mandating Continuous Eligibility
- Promoting Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities
- Helping People Make Informed Decisions
“Since our last Pathway report, ACAP has continued the fight to advance health equity and promote stable coverage in Medicaid and CHIP,” said ACAP CEO Margaret A. Murray. “For example, we remain steadfast in our longstanding advocacy supporting 12-month continuous enrollment for adults and children, understanding the pivotal role policies in Medicaid and other publicly-supported coverage programs can play in addressing racial and health disparities.”
The report highlights that, despite efforts from government and health plans, low-income individuals continue to face significant barriers to care. Addressing these challenges will require both systemic reforms and targeted actions to eliminate day-to-day inequities, ensuring that Medicaid—and the broader U.S. health care system—becomes truly accessible and equitable.
Additionally, ACAP aims for half of its member plans to achieve Health Equity Accreditation from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) by the end of 2027.
Read the Pathway report in full here.
About ACAP:
ACAP represents 82 health plans, which collectively provide health coverage to more than 30 million people. Safety Net Health Plans serve their members through Medicaid, Medicare, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), the Marketplace and other publicly-sponsored health programs. For more information, visit communityplans.net.
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