Funding to Address ‘Social Needs’ on Indy’s East Side

The foundation says the funding will advance collaboration between Community Hospital East and community partners.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has awarded more than $2.5 million to the Community Health Network Foundation in Indianapolis. The funding will be used to address social needs of Medicare and Medicaid recipients, such as housing instability, food insecurity and utilities.

The funding, which will be disbursed over five years, is directed toward beneficiaries on the east side of Indianapolis. Community says the money will specifically allow the foundation to partner with the Eastside Redevelopment Committee to reduce healthcare costs for high-risk beneficiaries. Work will begin on May 1.

"The (CMS) Accountable Health Communities model is a perfect fit with our mission to enhance the health and well-being of the communities we serve," said John Kunzer, regional physician executive for Community’s East Region. "It helps expand the definition of ‘health’ to include things such as access to food, adequate housing and social support systems. It will advance the collaborative efforts between Community Hospital East and our community partners to address well-being by moving care beyond the four walls of our hospital and doctors’ offices and into neighborhoods."

Community says the funding is expected to impact more than 70,000 people on Indy’s east side, in which 40 percent of the population received Indiana Medicaid services in 2015.