Healthy People Make a Healthy Economy

Karen Dale is a guest blogger and a cherished partner to Ounce of Care. She serves as the Market President for AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia. Throughout her career, she has worked with a broad group of stakeholders to address policies and other key factors impacting the delivery of health care services. Dale’s vision for health equity is notably reflected in key programs addressing Black maternal health, racism, housing, transportation, behavioral health, and food insecurity.

We are honored to have Karen and AmeriHealth as Ounce partners and hope you appreciate her insights.

Health care is the foundation of a thriving economy. When people are healthy, they can work, innovate, contribute to their communities, and thrive.

Medicaid, the nation’s largest public health insurance program covering one in five Americans, is vital to maintaining this foundation. It provides medical care for low-income adults, children, pregnant people, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, supporting their health and allowing our economy to truly flourish.

Health care drives economic success by improving workforce productivity and reducing long-term costs associated with preventable diseases. Studies show that investments in public health, such as Medicaid expansions, directly reduce mortality rates, improve quality of life, and contribute to economic stability. For instance, every dollar invested in public health can save $5 in health care costs, demonstrating the economic efficiency of preventive care.

Medicaid also eases financial burdens on families; when their health care costs are covered, they can invest in education, afford better housing and childcare options, and patronize local businesses that benefit the entire community.

Local businesses amplify Medicaid's impact by addressing the unique needs of communities. AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia (DC), a cornerstone of the District’s Medicaid program for more than a decade, works with partners such as Ounce of Care to help ensure access to quality care and tackle barriers related to social determinants of health (SDOH).

Since its launch, Ounce has expanded services from four building residences in DC to nearly 40 housing communities in every ward across the city. Ounce has built trust with hundreds of AmeriHealth Caritas DC enrollees, and completed more than 1,000 services for enrollees including:

• Scheduling primary care or specialist appointments,

• Assisting with Medicaid redetermination efforts,

• Addressing SDOH needs such as food insecurity, utility assistance, economic assistance, etc., and

• Generally supporting a healthy lifestyle (through nutrition workshops or exercise classes).

Economic and social conditions have a significant impact on health status, as is seen here in the District. Some areas, especially concentrated in Ward 8, have high levels of poverty and barriersthat prevent residents from accessing healthy food or transportation to provider offices, among other challenges. Below is an example of a situation where Ounce helped address a resident’s obstacles to care and overall well-being. The resident’s name has been changed for anonymity purposes.

In November 2024, Miss Z received notice from Pepco that her electricity was going to be shut off within a few days. Ounce worked with the Department of Energy to help expedite Miss Z’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application to process within 48 hours. Ounce was able to help prevent the loss of electricity in Miss Z’s home. Ounce had previously connected Miss Z with employment support and mental health support, as well as vision, dental, and primary care for both her and her daughter. Miss Zalso received assistance from Ounce to renew her Medicaid health insurance benefits, so she and her family wouldn’t lose their health care coverage.

Collaborative efforts like these create tailored solutions that improve health outcomes, close care gaps, and empower communities to succeed.

Investing in Medicaid programs and partnerships like those cultivated by AmeriHealth Caritas DC and Ounce is an economic and social imperative. Healthy communities foster innovation, create jobs, and sustain growth, proving that Medicaid is a catalyst for a healthier, more prosperous future.

We look forward to expanding our reach and working with additional providers to help meet our collective goal of increasing access to care and creating new opportunities for DC residents to experience health and wellness.

Written by Karen M. Dale - Market President, AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia