What is an ACH?

What is an Accountable Community of Health?

An ACH (Accountable Community of Health) is a group of healthcare providers, community organizations, and individuals working together to improve the overall health of a region. They focus on the things that make people healthy, not just providing medical care. This means addressing the root causes of health problems, like lack of affordable housing, access to healthy food, or transportation challenges. The ACH network was formally created in 2015, with funding through a State Innovation Models Round 2 test grant and supportive state legislation in the 2014 session.

SWACH: Driving Health Equity in Southwest Washington

Southwest Washington Accountable Community of Health (SWACH) serves Clark, Klickitat, and Skamania counties. We prioritize health equity, focusing on removing the barriers that prevent some people from achieving their best health. By partnering with local organizations, amplifying community voices, and advocating for policy changes, SWACH operates innovative programs while working to make our region healthier for all.

Healthcare Collaboration in Washington

Washington State is covered by nine ACHs, each serving a specific region. These ACHs often work in collaboration to address health disparities and create healthier communities for everyone. This collaborative model ensures resources are shared, best practices are spread, and communities have the support they need to tackle complex health issues.

Get Involved

Working with Southwest Washington nonprofits and community organizations, we create equitable, community-oriented health improvements across Clark, Klickitat and Skamania counties.

Join us in building a healthier Southwest Washington! Visit the pages for HealthConnect Hub, Equity and Collaborative Impact and Community Health Improvement to learn more about our programs.

Medicaid Transformation Project (MTP)

The Medicaid Transformation Project is Washington State's Section 1115 Medicaid demonstration waiver between the Health Care Authority (HCA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). MTP allows the state to create and continue to develop projects, activities, and services that improve Washington’s health care system, notably including Accountable Communities of Health.

MTP began in 2017, when Washington State and CMS reached an agreement on a groundbreaking, five-year project that allowed the state to invest in Medicaid delivery system changes and payment reform efforts. The initial MTP waiver became known as “MTP 1.0” after CMS approved Washington’s MTP renewal, called MTP 2.0.