The Iowa Primary Care Association is asking state officials to continue a project that will test new ways of ensuring “the most at-risk patients” get the best care possible. Ted Boesen of the Iowa Primary Care Association says “community care teams” have been formed in Cerro Gordo and Webster Counties.

“Connecting patients with community resources,” he says.

These teams will not only work with doctors and hospitals in the Mason City and Fort Dodge areas, but with social service agencies and non-profit groups to assess the patient’s living conditions, access to food and transportation as well as their ability to read and comprehend medical instructions. The projects start in January and will help “at-risk” patients who are part of the Medicaid system.

“We see the inclusion of community care teams as a necessary part of a reformed system,” Boesen says.

Fifteen Iowa communities applied to host the test projects. Two were selected and the state is providing six-months-worth of funding for community care teams in Cerro Gordo and Webster Counties. The Iowa Primary Care Association is lobbying the governor and legislators to continue financing the project for another 12 months.