The AHN Model
Why and how AHN works
This unique program works well because of the AHN “Shared Responsibility Model” which has all the involved parties take a part of the responsibility and effort to ensure that Nevadans without health coverage can access low cost healthcare services and contribute to paying for them.
It is accomplished through AHN’s community based partnership that connects Nevada hospitals, local and state government, and community agencies, with employers, health care providers, and patients.
The model brings benefits to all participants, including demonstrated improvements in health outcomes, more efficient use of resources, and personal satisfaction as found in similar models across the nation. The numerous benefits of the network include:
For AHN Members
- Increased access to primary care, specialty care, pharmacy and wellness services
- Improved chronic disease management
- Improved healthcare literacy and tools to navigate the healthcare system
- More affordable care
- Establishment of a primary care medical home for all family members
- Improved continuity of care
- Improved school performance
- Access to resources and information ultimately leading to health insurance enrollment
- Improved health resulting from receiving healthcare when care is needed
For AHN Providers
- Payment is received at the time of service
- Reduced bad debt
- Reduced inappropriate use of emergency services
- Reduced no-shows, late shows and last-minute cancellations
- Centralized coordination of patient care and patient volume
- Guaranteed equal distribution of AHN members across participating providers
- Reduced billing, pre-authorization, or additional paperwork
For Local Businesses
- Improved access to healthcare for employees
- Healthier and more productive workforce
- Tax incentives
- Access to a medical discount plan and health benefit for low-wage employees
- More cost-effective alternatives for covering part-time workers
- Enhanced capacity for workforce recruitment and retention
- Reduced employee turnover and absenteeism
For County and State Governments
- Reduced costs for provision of indigent medical care
- Reduced costs for eligibility screening and enrollment
For the Northern Nevada Community
- Improved population health and well being
- Improved coordination of care to vulnerable populations
- More comprehensive system of care
- Reduced taxpayer burden for uninsured members of the community
AHN partners with state and local organizations – including the Nevada Covering Kids Coalition and the Nevada insurance industry – to increase the number of insured children, families, and workers. Access to Healthcare Network provides a bridge to healthcare for uninsured residents of our Nevada communities and a gateway to healthcare access for those without insurance and who need care they can’t afford.
This unique model has been studied (and applauded) by other communities, states and also by the federal government. It was examined closely by the United States’ Secretary of Health’s office when national healthcare reform was being shaped in 2009-2010, and the AHN model has been included in the final legislation.
