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MVP now participating in Medicaid Managed Care in Dutchess and Ulster Counties

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Gary Hughes
 
March 19, 2004 - In an effort to extend high-quality health insurance coverage to more uninsured residents of Dutchess and Ulster counties, MVP Health Care, a regional health insurance company with more than 120,000 members in the Hudson Valley, is now participating in both the Medicaid Managed Care and Child Health Plus government-sponsored health insurance programs.

"These programs have proven to be very effective in terms of extending access to health insurance benefits to those without health insurance coverage while controlling cost and improving the quality of care," said Scott W. Averill, MVP executive vice president and chief marketing officer. "We view our participation in these programs as an important part of our commitment to public health in both Dutchess and Ulster Counties."

MVP began enrolling members in the two programs in both Dutchess and Ulster counties earlier this month.

The company, which also participates in the New York state-sponsored Healthy NY program expects to begin offering Family Health Plus, a companion program for uninsured families later this year according to James Wray, MVP's director of government programs.

"These programs are a 'win-win' for county government and for residents who meet the income requirements for eligibility," said Wray. "The programs make county government Medicaid costs more predictable because the counties pay a set monthly premium for each member rather reimbursing on a fee-for-service basis, while residents get access to a high a quality health plan with a wider range of benefits and a larger provider network than they would have under traditional Medicaid," he said.

According to Wray, MVP will reach out to uninsured residents by working with community-based organizations and expects to enroll about 3,500 residents in Dutchess and Ulster counties by the end of the year.

Averill pointed to MVP's ability to analyze data from the company's claims payment system and report that data back to members' physicians as one way the company promotes higher quality care.

"Physicians don't always know if a patient follows up on their treatment plan -- for example, do they get needed tests?" Averill said. "Our claims system is linked with our medical management software, so we are able to give physicians detailed reports they can follow-up with their patients," he said.

"Using our 20 years of experience in managed care and our technologically-advanced claims payment and medical management systems MVP will work with our broad network of more than 850 local physicians to make sure our Medicaid and Child Health Plus members have access to health high quality care that will make a difference in their lives," Averill said.

MVP is currently offering these programs to residents of Dutchess and Ulster counties. The company will consider extending the programs to other counties in New York state on a case-by-case basis.

Child Health Plus

Child Health Plus is a New York state-sponsored health insurance program for children age 19 and younger. Child Health Plus covers a broad range of health care services including preventive care, prescription drugs, hospital care, dental care, vision care and many other services. Eligibility is based on family income.

Medicaid Managed Care

MVP Medicaid Managed Care offers residents of Dutchess and Ulster counties a chance to choose a health plan that focuses on preventive health care and provides enrollees with a medical home for themselves and their families. Enrollment in Medicaid managed care is available at any local department of social services. Residents eligible for Medicaid benefits are eligible to join.

MVP Health Care

Founded in 1983, MVP Health Care offers a full range of health benefits plans. MVP serves New York state, and Vermont and is developing a health plan in New Hampshire. MVP serves more than a half million members through its service area.

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