'Ohana Health Plan Honors Outstanding Care Givers

KAPOLEI, Hawaii and TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Most women with the title "mommy" know the importance of patience, compassion and a caring touch to ensure their charges thrive. For the past three years, Adela Salacup earned this title not from her own child, but from an 'Ohana Health Plan member. Salacup was welcomed into the member's home through Hawaii's Community Care Foster Family Home (CCFFH) program.

"This member has no known family or friends, but calls Adela 'mommy' and refers to her as 'my family,'" said Lolita Ching, owner of Quality Case Management Inc., a case management agency in Waipahu. "This is because Adela treats the member like she is a part of her family. I am honored to have someone like Adela affiliated with our agency."

With a history that includes diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma and behavioral health conditions, Salacup's care allows this member to receive the attention she needs in a loving, home setting. In addition to providing food, shelter and medical services, Salacup takes time to help the member develop healthy behaviors and stay connected to her community. For example, Salacup purchases knitting supplies to redirect her from smoking, includes her in dinner parties, and takes her on shopping trips. 

Today 'Ohana Health Plan, a WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) company, will honor Adela and nine other caregivers who literally bring their "work" home with them. These outstanding caregivers participate in 'Ohana's CCFFH program and care for veterans, the elderly, and others with long-term health care needs, in their homes. 

Also known as the Adult Foster Care Program, this state program provides an alternative to traditional long-term care for members who are unable to care for themselves. Foster homes are single-family homes where care is provided for one to three people. 'Ohana has participated in the Adult Foster Care Program since 2009 and has approximately 800 members enrolled. 

The honorees, who were nominated by their case management agency owners, are:

• Doreen Torres, Ewa Beach, All Island Case Management Corporation
• Myra Venegas, Honolulu, Azil Case Management Agency  
• Aurelia Jacob, Ewa Beach, Blue Water Resources
• Leslie Ballesteros, Pearl City, Case Management Professionals, Inc.         
• Estrelita Caramancion, Waipahu, Health Services Hawaii
• Emily Saturnino, Honolulu, Nightingale Case Management
• Imelda Bonilla, Waipahu, 'Ohana Case Management           
• Adela Salacup, Waipahu, Quality Case Management Inc.
• Rowena Sabio, Waipahu, Residential Choices, Inc.
• Prixie Cruz, Kapolei, Veterans Administration Case Management Agency

"One of the most important things we do in managed care is to help our members access the care and services they need within the most appropriate setting," said Dr. Edward Fess, medical director at 'Ohana Health Plan. "Here in Hawaii, we are fortunate to have options that include care in smaller, more intimate adult foster care homes. The honorees regularly go above and beyond their roles as caregivers to provide our members with both long-term care and personal attention. I am inspired by their commitment to doing the things that make life complete, like going on outings to the beach and shopping trips, and enabling continued participation in hobbies."

To qualify for the program, members must not need health care beyond the level typically provided by a nursing home or intermediate care facility. They are examined by a physician before being accepted into the program to ensure that more complex care is not necessary.

During the foster home placement, 'Ohana's care management team works closely with the care managers and families to ensure that the member and caregiver's personalities are a match to facilitate a successful placement. 

"We use a coordinated care approach designed to ensure all members receive the unique services and supports they need to achieve and maintain the best health outcomes possible," said Rida Ching, director of service coordination for 'Ohana. "The adult foster care program allows our members with long-term services and supports needs to remain a part of their communities and to receive care within a family environment. Members are literally taken into the daily lives of their caregivers."

Care managers from the community care management agencies routinely visit adult foster homes to check on members, and to review detailed notes from the caregivers about the services that have been provided. These care managers work closely with 'Ohana to make sure the member receives all needed services, equipment and supplies.

"It is a setting where the member, who often has no family on the islands, can feel wanted and cared for in a family situation," said Donna Oshiro, 'Ohana service coordinator.

As of June 30, 2016, 'Ohana Health Plan has more than 230 employees in Hawaii and serves approximately 57,000 members through its offices in Kapolei, Honolulu, Hilo and Kahului.

About 'Ohana Health Plan
'Ohana Health Plan is offered by WellCare Health Plans, Inc. WellCare provides managed care services targeted to government-sponsored health care programs, focusing on Medicaid and Medicare. WellCare offers a variety of health plans for families, children, and the aged, blind and disabled, as well as prescription drug plans. The company serves approximately 3.8 million members nationwide as of June 30, 2016. 'Ohana has been able to take WellCare's national experience and develop an 'Ohana care model that addresses local members' health care and health coordination needs. As of June 30, 2016, 'Ohana serves approximately 48,800 Medicaid members, 7,800 Medicare Advantage members, and 400 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members in Hawaii. For more information about 'Ohana, please visit the company's website at www.ohanahealthplan.com.

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SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.

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