Safety Net Working Group
Frequently Asked Questions
A number of questions have been asked regarding the Regional Health Care Initiative. The questions below are from the Safety Net Working Group. We have compiled the questions with answers below. As additional questions come up we will add them to the list.
1. What is the timeframe for completion of the Safety Net Working Group initiative?
No timeframe has been established. We anticipate that subgroups will work at their own pace to develop recommendations or solutions to specific issues. Some groups may finish more quickly then others. The large group will continue to meet as needed and will determine a timeframe for disbanding when appropriate. MARC is hopeful that we can move as quickly as possible to practical results for the safety net clinics and other organizations.
2. What subgroups will be formed?
This will be decided by the safety net working group and based upon the principles that the group has defined. For example, if access to care is a principle then a subgroup would be formed to address access to care.
3. How will safety net working group members be assigned to subgroups?
Members will selfselect the subgroup. If the size of the subgroups is mismatched some members may be asked to participate in another group. Also subgroups may invite additional members from organizations that are not members of the working group in order to have certain interests or expertise at the table.
4. What will be the responsibility of the subgroups?
Each subgroup will define the problem, explore options to address the problem, develop recommendations to solve the problem and if appropriate develop a business plan and a budget.
5. How will the subgroups interact with the larger safety net working group?
Each subgroup will elect a chair who will report the progress of the subgroup at the safety net working group meetings. When a final list of recommendations is developed the list will be vetted with the safety net working group.
6. What is the role of the Kansas City Health Care Foundations?
When a subgroup has completed their work and vetted it with the safety net working group the recommendations/business plan may be forwarded to the foundations for funding consideration. The foundations have agreed to give recommendations from the working group serious consideration.
7. What if something is developed that I do not feel will benefit my clinic?
The safety net providers are very diverse and what may benefit one program may not benefit another. Safety net providers can choose whether they want to participate in specific products or processes that are developed. Products and processes developedby the subgroups will be successful only if they meet the needs of safety net clinics, other stakeholders, and the uninsured and underserved.
8. Will the Regional Health Care Initiative result in more red tape and additional bureaucracy?
No!!! The purpose of the Regional Health Care Initiative is to support the safety net clinics not provide more paperwork, red tape or increased bureaucracy.
9. Will MARC become a grant making agency?
No!! MARC is not a grant making agency. Any recommendations that are developed by the Safety Net Working Group or subgroups will be forwarded to the Health Care Foundations or other potential grant makers for funding consideration.
10. What is MARC’s role?
MARC is acting as facilitator for the process. MARC will convene the stakeholders, keep up communication between the parties, help facilitate implementation of specific initiatives, and provide consulting assistance to facilitate necessary research. MARC does not envision playing an operating role in any of the initiatives that are generated by this project.