Press Releases: 2011

AmeriHealth Mercy Health Plan wins Multicultural Distinction Award

The AmeriHealth Mercy Health Plan (AMHP) of Pennsylvania has received the prestigious Multicultural Health Care (MHC) Distinction from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

NCQA, a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving healthcare quality, developed the MHC Distinction as a way for health plans to monitor and improve culturally and linguistically appropriate services and reduce healthcare disparities.

AMHP earned the MHC Distinction by passing a rigorous examination of NCQA standards in the following areas:

• Race/Ethnicity and Language Data Collection
• Access and Availability of Language Services
• Practitioner Network Cultural Responsiveness
• Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services Programs
• Reducing Health Care Disparities.

AMHP participates in the NCQA annual member satisfaction survey, the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS), as well as the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS). Both CAHPS and HEDIS results are analyzed to identify cultural and linguistic disparities and opportunities for improvement. Member outreach efforts are focused on prioritizing and based on identified healthcare disparities.

For example, in 2010 AmeriHealth identified a disproportionate number of African-American members on its Medicaid managed care plan that were not receiving adequate blood pressure checkups.

"Early identification of members with certain diseases such as high blood pressure is important because untreated high blood pressure can lead to Diabetes and other health complications," said Marge Angello, AMHP Executive Director. "By coordinating care for our members, we can help them stay healthier."

To improve member outcomes, AMHP modified its approach to member care, incorporating clinical alerts, medical adherence letters (prescription reminders) to both primary care providers and members, and a new Care Coordination Disease Management Program. This program utilized educational mailings and materials for community outreach efforts, as well as case managers.

"These tactics are all key to the member and their treatment process," Marge said.

About AmeriHealth Mercy Health Plan

AmeriHealth Mercy Health Plan, a member of the AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies, is a Medical Assistance (Medicaid) managed care health plan serving more than 107,000 Medical Assistance recipients in 15 counties of central and northeastern Pennsylvania. Headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, AmeriHealth Mercy Health Plan is a mission-driven company dedicated to helping members get care, stay well, and build healthy communities. For more information, go to www.amerihealthmercyhp.com. 

For more information, contact AmeriHealth Mercy at 215-937-8648.