The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on healthcare organizations across the world.

Many healthcare plans have had to adapt their services to meet the changing needs of their communities. One community health plan that has successfully maintained its mission through the pandemic is the Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW).

CHPW is a not-for-profit health plan that serves Washington State's Medicaid population. The plan's mission is to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare to underserved communities, including individuals with low income, disabilities, and chronic health conditions.

During the pandemic, CHPW faced several challenges, including increased demand for healthcare services, supply chain disruptions, and a rapidly changing healthcare landscape. Despite these challenges, CHPW was able to maintain its mission and continue providing high-quality, affordable healthcare to its members.

Here are some ways that CHPW maintained its mission through the pandemic:

Telehealth Services

One of the ways that CHPW adapted to the pandemic was by offering telehealth services to its members. The plan quickly expanded its telehealth offerings to ensure that members could access healthcare services remotely. CHPW provided training and support to healthcare providers to help them transition to telehealth services and ensure that patients received the care they needed.

Member Support

CHPW recognized that many of its members were facing significant challenges during the pandemic, including job loss, financial insecurity, and social isolation. To address these challenges, the plan implemented several member support programs. These programs included mental health services, financial assistance, and access to community resources. CHPW also provided members with regular updates and resources related to the pandemic.

Collaboration with Providers

CHPW recognized the importance of working collaboratively with healthcare providers to ensure that members received the care they needed during the pandemic. The plan worked closely with providers to address supply chain disruptions and ensure that patients had access to necessary medications and medical equipment. CHPW also provided providers with financial support to help them maintain their practices during the pandemic.

Flexibility and Adaptability

CHPW recognized that the pandemic was a rapidly changing situation, and the plan had to be flexible and adaptable to respond to new challenges as they emerged. The plan made changes to its policies and procedures as needed to ensure that members received the care they needed. CHPW also implemented new programs and initiatives to address emerging needs, such as a program to provide housing for homeless individuals.

Advocacy

CHPW recognized that many of the challenges faced by its members during the pandemic were systemic and required advocacy at the state and national levels. The plan worked closely with policymakers to advocate for policies that would support its members, such as expanded access to healthcare and financial assistance.