Mercy Health and ProMedica - Toledo/Lucas County CareNet

What is it?

The goal of the CareNet is to create a uniform approach to charity care by identifying and serving the uninsured and addressing awareness, coordination, cost and transportation. The architects of the plan, Mercy Health Partners and ProMedica Health System, are competing health systems, but spurred by the vision and commitment of the Mayor of Toledo, joined forces to create a strategy that maximizes their individual strengths, as well as the strengths of other hospitals and health organizations.

CareNet members are issued membership cards, which instill a sense of pride and inclusion. Participating hospitals provide care at no cost to CareNet members. Through the Academy of Medicine, a sliding-scale fee is in place for hospital-based physician services. Other partners provide an array of services, including transportation to medical appointments, specialty care, dental care, psychiatric counseling and vision screenings.

Who is it for?

All uninsured individuals with incomes up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level in Lucas County.

Why do they do it?

In 2002, Toledo Mayor Jack Ford issued a challenge to the community: address the needs of the uninsured. In response, area organizations banded together to create Toledo/Lucas County CareNet. Today, CareNet is helping to meet the needs of the uninsured through primary care and specialty care appointments, as well as hospital services, thanks to transportation assistance from the city bus service.

Contact: Jan Ruma
CareNet Executive Director and Vice President, Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio
Telephone: 419-842-0800
E-mail: jruma@hcno.org