Achieving Washington State's Vision of Integrated Services
Care Coordinator Links
Since 2013, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and the Health Care Authority (HCA) have partnered with federal partners to support Washington’s Health Home Program. This work has been guided by the voices and experiences of individuals, families, health care providers, and advocates who share a commitment to improving care for people with complex health needs.
Washington has thoughtfully focused the Health Home Program on Medicare and Medicaid enrollees who face the greatest health challenges and highest risks.This approach reflects a shared belief that individuals with the most complex needs require coordinated, attentive support—and that providing intensive care coordination can lead not only to better health outcomes, but also to greater stability, dignity, and quality of life.
At the heart of the Health Home Program is a deep commitment to patient activation and meaningful engagement. Care Coordinators work alongside enrollees as trusted partners, listening to what matters most to them and supporting them in setting achievable health action goals. By building self-management skills and confidence, Care Coordinators help individuals move toward improved well-being, and overall independence.
Care Coordinators receive comprehensive, state-directed training to ensure they are equipped to develop individualized Health Action Plans and deliver the six core services with skill, respect, and compassion. Through this work, Health Homes address complex health needs by providing:
- comprehensive care management;
- care coordination across systems;
- health promotion and education;
- comprehensive transitional care and follow-up;
- individual and family support; and
- referrals to community and social services.
Care Coordinators focus on reducing gaps in care and strengthening communication among medical providers, behavioral health services, long-term services and supports, and community-based resources. This coordinated approach helps ensure that individuals are not navigating complex systems alone.
The goal of the Health Home Program is to improve care coordination and quality while empowering individuals to take an active role in their own health and well-being. Participation is entirely voluntary, and the program does not replace or change existing services. Instead, it serves as an added layer of support—designed to help individuals feel heard, supported, and better equipped to manage their health.
Learn more about Health Home Program for Tribes Health Home | DSHS
For more information about the Health Home Program
- Health Care Authority website
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
- Brendy Visintainer, Duals Integration Unit Manager, 360-725-2647 or brendy.visintainer@dshs.wa.gov