Paying for Healthcare in the US can be difficult, confusing and frustrating . Healthcare in Haiti is in many cases non existent and when it is many people can not afford the cost of the needed care which leaves the Pignon Hospital to cover the cost . No patient is denied needed medical care because of their inability to pay. We Americans have many different thoughts on what we call Obamacare. Whether you consider it good, bad or something that needs improvement, it is there, available for Americans. In Haiti most families have no options so Five Loaves Health development accounts were created.
WHAT IS A FIVE LOAVES HEALTH DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT?
Very few families in Haiti can afford to pay for their own healthcare, which leaves the hospital in Pignon to cover any costs which cannot be paid. Services are never denied to those in need, but this cost must be supported by donors and limited USAID dollars.
In Haiti, $200 will pay for health care for one person per year. Sponsorships are available for 1, 2, 3 or 4 people at a rate of $200 per person, per year. Health care for families with more than 5 members has been capped at $1,000 per year. Families in Haiti can apply for a Health Development Account and agree to contribute from $1 to $20 per person (up to 5) annually to be enrolled in the program. It is important for families in Haiti to have a “stake in the program” and also provides ownership and accountability.
Half of the money invested from the family and the sponsor go directly to the hospital to help defray operating expenses, pay salaries, buy medicine and generally keep the doors open. The other half goes into a Health Development Account for the family held by a bank in Marion, Iowa. Only a small percentage is kept for administrative costs and to provide office, salary and supplies for the Five Loaves Haitian Representative.
When medical expenses occur, the family presents their HDA card at check out and the fee is taken directly out of the family HDA account and wired to the hospital for medical services. The family also has a “death benefit” of $100 to use for funeral expenses in case of death.
When medical expenses occur, the family presents their HDA card at check out and the fee is taken directly out of the family HDA account and wired to the hospital for medical services. The family also has a “death benefit” of $100 to use for funeral expenses in case of death.
As funds accumulate over time, the family may qualify to borrow up to 20% against the balance in their HDA account for specific things like education, improving their home, starting a business and buying materials or equipment to improve their business. A proposal and plan must be submitted and approved by Five Loaves before a loan is available. One of the first families to sign up was excited about the potential to borrow money to buy a donkey so they could get more crops to market and work more markets for their crops.
Sponsors, upon completion of the enrollment form and designated level of support, receive a photo of family members, location of the family (GPS coordinates as there are no addresses) and information about the family. The sponsors also receive updates and reports on the use of the HDA account. Sponsors are given the opportunity to renew their support annually and are encouraged to support the family in prayer.
HOW DOES A HEALTH DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT WORK?
1. Families in Haiti apply for a Health Development Account (HDA) with a Five Loaves representative in Haiti.
2. Families in Haiti agree to:
- Annual census (name, address, age, occupation, medical history)
- Annual physical at the hospital clinic
- Annual home visit by Five Loaves staff
- Annual contribution into the family HDA ($1, $10, or $20 per person for a family up to 5—all family members beyond 5 are included)
3. Five Loaves matches sponsors with recipient families and deposits funds in a dedicated account.
4. Families present their HDA card when released from medical services and expenses for these services are paid directly to the hospital.
5. Up to 20% of each HDA account can be used by the family to collateralize a micro-loan for home improvement, work or education after specific criteria are met and approved.
6. Sponsors will be sent a photo of their family, as well as information and reports about their HDA recipients use of funds. Sponsors can visit their family in Haiti if they desire.
7. Sponsors are urged to continually pray for the family they sponsor.
HOW DO I SPONSOR A FAMILY?
Choose your level of support:
$200 one person family
$400 two person family
$600 three person family
$800 four person family
$1000 five or more person family
If you have questions contact:
Choose your level of support:
$200 one person family
$400 two person family
$600 three person family
$800 four person family
$1000 five or more person family
If you have questions contact:
Denny Brand denny.brand@promiseforhaiti.org
Doug Grunder grunderd@marionmixers.com
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