Michigan Association of Health Plans recognizes HAP initiatives that improved patient care, lowered costs and streamlined business efficiencies

DETROIT, Sept. 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- HAP's successes integrating "lean" processes and improving drug adherence for the Medicare Star Rating Program have been recognized with two Michigan Association of Health Plans (MAHP) Pinnacle Awards, standing out from 31 total submissions from 10 Michigan health plans. The awards program recognizes outstanding contributions to improving the quality and efficiency of care, helping lower health care costs and increasing services to Michigan residents.

"HAP is continuously focused on quality, customer satisfaction, affordability and improving member health, and we are grateful to MAHP and the judges for recognizing our programs for making a measurable difference," said Matt Walsh, senior vice president and chief operating officer, HAP. "By continuously seeking ways to increase efficiencies and solve challenges, HAP is able to put its efforts towards programs that help our members live healthier lives."

Winning submissions, including HAP's, will be shared with MAHP members to help improve best practices across Michigan. Here are summaries of the two HAP initiatives that received Pinnacle award recognition:

• Business Operational Performance – Commercial for "ReThink Lean Journey." HAP adapted a lean process lead by a Continuous Improvement Team to give employees daily opportunities to improve business processes and branded it internally as "ReThink." Over the last two years the company has saved $28.4 million by eliminating waste, reducing claims inventory and improving technology performance, accuracy and efficiency. In total, 83 projects were completed with demonstrable metrics in increased customer value and satisfaction.
• Care Management for Medicare Populations – Medicare Advantage for "Cost-Effective Process to Improve Drug Adherence for Medicare Star Rating Program." The federal Medicare Star Program recognizes health plans for working with doctors and members to find ways to help Medicare members take their diabetes-related medications as directed. HAP's Medication Therapy Management Program developed an online provider tool to equip physicians with meaningful data on all of their patients' prescription fills. Shifting from pharmacists to specially trained pharmacy analysts to conduct Targeted Medication Reviews contributed to cost savings. These analysts reached out to thousands of members who were not taking their prescribed medications and helped members by addressing their concerns. The program demonstrated an improvement in adherence to diabetes drugs and cholesterol drugs, which translated into more than $1.2 million in cost avoidance for 2014 and 2015 combined.

"I am always pleased to see the innovation and continual improvement processes used by our MAHP members to address key issues aimed at improving the health of their members and their communities," said Rick Murdock, executive director of MAHP. "Over the years we have seen smart ideas become accepted practices, and our state is the beneficiary. It's truly an honor to recognize these achievements and watch many be adopted around the state and nation."

The Pinnacle Awards judging panel, comprised of health care experts, lawmakers and news media, reviewed submissions in depth before selecting winners in various categories for commercial health insurers and Medicaid health plans. Award winners were recognized at a reception Sept. 20 in Lansing.

About Health Alliance Plan
Health Alliance Plan (HAP) is a Michigan-based, nonprofit health plan that provides health coverage to more than 675,000 members and companies of all sizes. For more than 50 years, HAP has partnered with leading doctors and hospitals, employers and community organizations to enhance the health and well-being of the lives we touch. HAP offers a product portfolio with six distinct product lines: Group Insured Commercial, Individual, Medicare, Medicaid, Self-Funded and Network Leasing. HAP excels in delivering award-winning preventive services, disease management and wellness programs, and personalized customer service. For more information, visit www.hap.org.

About The Michigan Association of Health Plans (MAHP)
The Michigan Association of Health Plans (MAHP) is an industry voice for 14 health care plans, covering over 2.5 million Michigan residents, and 50 businesses affiliated with the health care industry. MAHP facilitates communication among members, government, and the industry regarding health care issues of common concern. The mission of MAHP is to provide leadership for the promotion and advocacy of high quality, affordable, accessible health care for the citizens of Michigan.

SOURCE Health Alliance Plan (HAP)

Related Links

https://www.hap.org