Accountable care for the poor and underserved: Minnesota's Hennepin Health model.

ABSTRACT

Hennepin Health provides integrated medical and social services to low-income Medicaid patients in a large county located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Data sharing is critical to program operations along with care coordination provided by community health workers. Early evidence indicates fewer emergency department visits and increased use of outpatient primary care. By focusing on prevention, coordination, and team-based care, the county hopes to improve individuals' quality of life while reducing costs through better care management and reductions in emergency department use.