Medicaid Health Plans of America Honors Member Company Innovation in Improving Access, Quality of Care

WASHINGTON, Nov. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Medicaid Health Plans of America (MHPA) and its sister organization, the Institute for Medicaid Innovation (IMI) awarded select member companies for innovative best practices that have improved the health of Medicaid enrollees. Chosen by an independent advisory panel, these health plans received awards for programs in long-term services and supports (LTSS), children's health, maternal health, behavioral health, the expansion population, and overall innovation in Medicaid managed care: US Medical Management (a Centene company), UPMC for You, Buckeye Health Plan (a Centene Company), Amerigroup, Georgia (an Anthem Company), and Health Partners Plans. The programs from these health plans serve as a model for others to follow in terms of ensuring access to and the delivery of high-quality care.

The innovation award categories and their 2015 winners are as follows:

The Long Term Services and Supports Award goes to 'Home-Based Primary Care' by US Medical Management, a Centene Company, a program that reduces unnecessary hospitalizations through affiliated visiting physician association practices who provided direct primary care to homebound at-risk Medicaid beneficiaries with multiple chronic conditions.

The Children's Health Award goes to 'High Value Care for Kids' by UPMC for You, a program that improves the value of care for children with medically complex conditions though provider flexibility and accountability, information sharing and transparency, and consumer engagement.

The Maternal Health Award goes to the 'Addiction in Pregnancy Program' by Buckeye Health Plan, a best practice that identifies pregnant members with addiction problems and provides integrated case management through the obstetric care managers and behavioral health care managers.

The Behavioral Health Award goes to the 'Psychotropic Medication Management Coaching Program' by Amerigroup Georgia, an Anthem Company, a best practice that monitors prescriptions of psychotropic drugs for youth in foster care to ensure that safe and effective treatment.

The Expansion Population Award goes to 'Bridging the Gap: Connecting At-Risk Members to Healthcare Services' by Health Partners Plans, a program that assists at-risk populations through routine diagnostic testing for chronic disease management and care coordination.

The Medicaid Managed Care Innovation Award goes to the 'High Value Care for Kids' program by UPMC for You, a best practice that partners with participating pediatric practices that identified lead pediatricians who ensured provider buy-in.

MHPA also recognized exemplary board members and partner companies. The Joy Wheeler Leadership Award goes to Dennis Smith, CEO of Upper Peninsula Health Plan, for his exceptional service to MHPA throughout the year. The Isadora King of Spirit Service Award goes to Express Scripts for their promotion of the importance of managed care organizations in Medicaid and providing expertise that allows MHPA members to provide better care, at less cost.

These exemplary programs, companies, and individuals are key to helping meet the needs of the disadvantaged," said Jeff Myers, president and CEO of MHPA. "We honor all of them to share their achievements so that all may benefit from their experience." 

About MHPA 
Medicaid Health Plans of America (MHPA) is the leading national trade association solely focused on representing the universe of Medicaid health plans. MHPA works on behalf of 123 commercial and non-profit plans that serve over 20 million lives in 33 states and D.C. MHPA provides advocacy and research that support policy solutions to enhance the delivery of quality care to disadvantaged Americans. For more information, visit www.mhpa.org.

Contact: 
Joe Reblando
[email protected]
202-857-5722  

SOURCE Medicaid Health Plans of America

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