This week the County Council will hold public hearings on County Executive Mark Elrich’s proposed budget for the 2024 fiscal year starting July 1.
One group, the National Center for Children and Families (NCCF), a non-profit child and welfare organization, seeks additional funding for its program, The Black Physicians and Healthcare Network (BPHN). The program started during the pandemic.
“The premise was that Black residents, even those who were insured, were dying at a greater rate of COVID. If they can be connected to a provider that looks like them and understands their experience – they are significantly more likely to be treated in a timely manner for underlying conditions that complicate COVID. They are more likely to become vaccinated, and less likely to die,” said Rachel Spassiani, a spokesperson for NCCF.
Efforts To Find Funding
Spassiani said The Black Physicians and Healthcare Network program is expected to have a shortfall of $400,000 this fiscal year ending on June 30. Its projected budget to maintain services next fiscal year is $4.9 million. However, the County Executive’s proposed budget for the program is just $2.5 million.
The contract proposed for next year will prohibit NCCF from getting the County to reimburse payments for visits to a doctor, dentist, or mental health professional. All residents will have to use their own insurance and pay out of pocket for any fees. This leaves patients responsible for copays, health provider costs on an emergency basis, or mental health fees to providers who do not take insurance. NCCF currently picks up those costs and the County reimburses the group.
“Medical reimbursement is a key factor to improve health outcomes for black county residents. That’s important because 60% of Black patients in this program are part of what we can call the working poor. They have insurance. What they do not have is the $50 for copay, or the full cost of the visits to a mental health provider or a doctor because they have a $6,000 deductible for a family of four. NCCF has data that suggests these additional costs are a silent barrier for health care – not just a provider that looks like them,” Spassiani said.
Continue Its Mission
The Black Physicians and Healthcare Network has connected nearly 1,700 residents with dozens of medical professionals since the program began. NCCF worries a cut in services may mean fewer people will go to the doctor, dentist, or therapist. Patients will not seek out Black providers who better understand their background and health situations. Representatives from NCCF and The Black Physicians and Healthcare Network will ask the County Council to add a million dollars to the proposed contract to cover the cost of medical visit payments. Their representatives will testify before the Council on Thursday, April 13.
Cut In Federal Dollars
A spokesperson for the County’s Health and Human Services Department said a significant amount of the funding used to establish the Black Physicians Healthcare Network during the pandemic came from federal dollars specifically designated for Covid-19. The spokesperson went on to say, “The adjustment in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget and the program’s scope are due to the loss of pandemic-related federal funding.”
Budget Future
The County Council will vote on the proposed budget in May. The Council will vote again in June for final adoption of the budget.
