The Alternative Press

With an estimated 1.3 million New Jerseyans still without health insurance, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey (Foundation) is once again stepping forward with a comprehensive commitment to help provide uninsured individuals with access to quality medical care in their community.

The Foundation has launched Phase 2 of its Health Center Initiative to support 501(c)(3) nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Centers ("FQHCs"), free/volunteer clinics and independent clinics in New Jersey that expand access to health care for the state's uninsured and underserved residents. The $2 million, two-year grant initiative will provide funding to facilitate access to primary and specialty care that helps prevent and manage health concerns and promotes overall well-being.

“More than one million New Jerseyans still face barriers to accessing health care,” said Robert A. Marino, Foundation Board Chairman and President and CEO, Horizon BCBSNJ. “Although federal healthcare reforms may remove some of these obstacles, key changes won’t arrive until 2014.  By renewing our grant initiative, we’ll help to maintain the safety net that health centers and clinics provide so that uninsured New Jersey residents and their children can continue to find quality care close to home.”

In 2006, the Foundation created Health Center Initiative Phase 1 to expand access to primary health care by providing $5 million over five years. At its conclusion in December 2011, Phase 1 had awarded grants to 22 health centers, impacted 340,000 patients and saved an estimated $70 million annually from reduced hospital Emergency Room visits.

A Request For Proposal (RFP) has been issued by the Foundation to solicit funding requests from New Jersey-based nonprofit, FQHCs, free/volunteer clinics and independent clinics. Phase 2 grant awards will be announced in June 2012 with grant periods spanning from July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2014.

The RFP itself has been structured to complement the federal healthcare reform law. For example, special consideration will be given to health center applicants that seek funding to implement the law’s Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model that is intended to transform the delivery of health care. Special consideration will also be accorded to proposals that incorporate a nurse-managed health center model.

“Horizon has a long history of supporting organizations in the communities we serve, and health centers are making a positive difference in the lives of the people who depend on them for care. By treating New Jersey residents and their families, health centers are dramatically reducing the use of the hospital emergency room as a doctor’s office.  This saves millions of dollars annually in costs to New Jersey’s health care system, while better ensuring care quality for patients. We encourage all eligible organizations to respond to this RFP,” added Marino.

The following organizations are eligible to apply:

• Federally Qualified Health Center ("FQHC")
• Free/Volunteer Clinic
• Independent Clinic

The Foundation will accept online applications received from February 1, 2012 to March 15, 2012 at 5:00 PM. The RFP and grant application form for Health Center Initiative Phase 2 can be found at www.HorizonBlue.com/Foundation/HCI

The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey promotes health, well-being, and quality of life across our state by supporting charitable organizations.  For more information about the Foundation visit www.HorizonBlue.com/Foundation.