WHAT IS PROJECT ACCESS?

Project Access is a network of physicians and hospitals providing the full range of health care to the low income, uninsured residents of Spokane County .

The Goal: To provide universal, on-demand access to the full continuum of health care for our medically underserved citizens who live at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Level ($19,600 for one person or $40,000 for a family of four, Federal Register, February 2006).

The Providers: Donate their services to Project Access patients. Specialty-level health care providers are asked to see 20 patients per year.

The Hospitals: All six area hospitals donate all inpatient, outpatient, lab and radiology services to qualified Project Access patients.

The Pharmacists: Provide pharmaceuticals at a discount rate, waive counseling and dispensing fees, and collect a $4.00 co-pay per prescription from patients. The co-pay is used to offset the cost of the medication.

The Patients: Sign responsibility agreements to follow the rules and procedures of Project Access, pay a $4.00 co-pay per prescription for their medications, and agree not to miss their appointments. If a patient misses two appointments, they are dis-enrolled from the Project Access program.

The Primary Care Clinics: Provide primary care services, determine eligibility and facilitate enrollment of the patient, and refer the patient to Project Access for specialty care.

The City and County Government : Provide funding for pharmaceuticals and administration of Project Access.

The Spokane Physician Hospital Community Organization (PHCO): Process insurance claim forms submitted by physicians, manage the Project Access pharmacy benefit, thus documenting the frequency and value of services provided.

DSHS: Assists with determining patient eligibility.

Services Provided Through Project Access:

Free physician office visits

• Free surgeries and treatments, both inpatient and outpatient
• Free laboratory and radiology services
• Free hospitalizations, both inpatient and outpatient
• Prescription medications – with a $4.00 co-pay per prescription, and a maximum of $750 per year value
• Free Durable Medical Equipment, such as wheelchairs and crutches
• Free Interpretation services at Project Access patient appointments for non-English speaking patients
• Free Transportation services to patient appointments for patients who cannot drive or do not have a car