National Multi-Share Legislation

For nearly seven years, the Access Health program has continued to successfully provide a full range of health care services for more than 1,200 enrollees working at more than 350 small- and medium-sized businesses in Muskegon. Before Access Health was implemented, none of these businesses were able to offer health insurance and commercial insurance products to their employees. Access Health, which was developed and implemented by the Muskegon Community Health Project, has been successful in achieving broad community acceptance with nearly 97% of physicians in Muskegon County participating in the plan.

Congress is now considering national legislation to replicate the Muskegon Model. House Bill 5171 introduced by Rep. Peter Hoekstra can be downloaded here.

The legislation has three major components:

• “Multi-Share” Health Coverage Programs: Under this provision, "multi-share" or "three-share" grant expenditures could be used to help establish locally administered programs that help pay a portion of the community's share of a monthly fee - or premium - that is split between the community, the employer, and the employee for a health insurance-like product.

• Volunteer Specialty Provider Networks: Specifically aimed at pre-enrolled, low-income individuals who receive donated care services, grants would assist in increasing access to specialty care, a known gap in health care for the uninsured. Specifically, grants could be used for fees to recruit specialists to an area; training fees for treating specialty conditions; electronic medical records for uninsured individuals (known to improve providers’ willingness to volunteer), administration of specialty care community clinics, and other uses.

• A Local Health Program National Clearinghouse: A central repository would be maintained for collecting, evaluating and disseminating data and information for the creation of community-based health programs for the uninsured.