Better Health Together
Key Terms
Health systems are complicated, and so is the language used! As a community organization, it is important for us to make the health jargon a bit more approachable and understandable for everyone. Here are a few terms you may hear us using and what they mean!
Accountable Community of Health (ACH)
The Health Care Authority has designated BHT as this region’s ACH. ACHs are independent, regional organizations that play an integral role in Washington’s Medicaid Transformation Project (MTP) efforts.
Community-Based Care Coordination
This is work that supports health outside of a clinical setting, including help with housing, food, transportation, childcare, employment, and other needs that impact overall well-being.
Community-Based Workforce
This is the workforce that supports people in non-clinical settings, often through care coordination, case management, outreach, and resource navigation to help individuals access the care and services they need.
Community-Based Worker (CBW)
Community-Based Workers (CBWs) are trusted individuals who connect people to the care, resources, and support they need to live healthier lives. They often share lived experience with the communities they serve. CBWs aren’t defined by one job title—they work wherever people need support, including clinics, shelters, schools, homes, faith communities, and throughout the community.
Community Care Hub
The Community Care Hub is a model that connects contracted partners and referral sources to help address community needs. Individuals are referred into the Hub and matched with a care coordinator who can help them access services and support based on their unique needs.
Health-Related Social Needs (HRSNs)
There is more to health than what happens in a clinical setting. Health-Related Social Needs are the social and economic factors that influence health, including access to housing, transportation, employment, education, food services, and other essential supports.
Medicaid Transformation Project (MTP) 1115 Waiver
An agreement between Washington State’s Health Care Authority (HCA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that provides funding and flexibility to address community health needs and improve health outcomes.
Native Hub
Health sovereignty is the ability of a nation, region, or community to independently finance, govern, and manage its own healthcare systems. Washington State supports Indigenous communities in designing and delivering services that reflect the unique needs of their communities. BHT’s Community Care Hub includes Native Hub providers serving the reservations of the Colville Confederated Tribes, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians, and the Spokane Tribe of Indians.
Social Care Network
The Social Care Network includes a diverse group of partners working together to support community health. This includes Referral Partners, Care Coordination Partners, and Friends of the Network who provide training, capacity building, technical assistance, and other forms of support that strengthen the network.
Social Care Support Services
Social Care Support Services include case management, in-home personal care, caregiver respite, transportation assistance, medication management, and other supports that help individuals with complex health and social needs remain healthy and independent.