Medicaid Managed Care Plan Prestige Health Choice Changes Name to Align With
AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies’ Decades of Expertise in Serving At-Risk Populations
 
July 1 2021 – AmeriHealth Caritas announced that its Florida Medicaid managed care plan, Prestige Health Choice, has changed its name to AmeriHealth Caritas Florida, effective today. The rebranding launches a new era for the health plan — and its mission to help build a healthier Sunshine State.
 
As part of the rebranding, AmeriHealth Caritas Florida is launching its “On A Mission” marketing campaign. The campaign will be featured in radio and print media throughout AmeriHealth Caritas Florida’s service area.
 
“The AmeriHealth Caritas brand represents exceptional quality and an unrelenting commitment to helping our members find their way to wellness, maximum independence, and prosperity so they can reach their American dream,” said AmeriHealth Caritas Chairman and CEO Paul A. Tufano. “With its new name, our Florida health plan will have strong brand recognition, one that assures the state’s Medicaid enrollees, providers, and community and government leaders that we’re delivering the quality programs and services on which we’ve built a solid and highly-rated reputation nationwide.” 
 
“Today we rededicate ourselves to our mission to help Floridians most in need get care, stay well, and build healthy communities,” said AmeriHealth Caritas Florida Market President Kathy Warner. “We’re committed to helping our members meet their life’s needs. And we look forward to extending AmeriHealth Caritas’ legacy of providing high-quality service to our members and providers and addressing the social determinants of health.” 
Members will receive new member ID cards reflecting the change in name. Benefits, services, hospitals and providers will remain unchanged. Members can call 1-855-355-9800 if they have questions or concerns.
 
AmeriHealth Caritas Florida benefits from AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies’ nearly four decades of expertise serving at-risk populations. Founded in 1983 in a West Philadelphia hospital, AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies has won multiple industry honors for its culturally competent service and innovative programs.
 
 
About AmeriHealth Caritas Florida
AmeriHealth Caritas Florida operates as a Medicaid managed care plan through Florida’s Statewide Medicaid Managed Care program, serving enrollees living in Miami-Dade, Monroe, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee counties. AmeriHealth Caritas Florida’s strength lies in its ability to foster collaboration among network providers to facilitate optimal health outcomes for members. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritasfl.com. 
 
 
About AmeriHealth Caritas
AmeriHealth Caritas is one of the nation’s leaders in health care solutions for those most in need. Operating in 13 states and the District of Columbia, AmeriHealth Caritas serves nearly 5 million Medicaid, Medicare, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) members through its integrated managed care products, pharmaceutical benefit management and specialty pharmacy services, and behavioral health services. Headquartered in Philadelphia, AmeriHealth Caritas is a mission-driven organization with nearly 40 years of experience serving low-income and chronically ill populations. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritas.com.
 
 


As part of the chamber’s membership, small business owners now have access to affordable,accessible health insurance plans 
 
June 30, 2021 – At a time when healthcare seems increasingly inaccessible to so many small businesses,  AvMed and the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce (GMCCC) are partnering to offer affordable health insurance option for businesses of 5 to 50 employees.  
 
The jointly-launched program, called the Greater Health Trust (GHT), allows small businesses to attain affordable health coverage and benefit options for their employees.  Organizations must be members of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce in order to access benefits of the Greater Health  Trust.
 
Like other multiple employer healthcare arrangements, the goal is to provide corporate-level health benefits to small businesses and their employees at a lower cost than conventional insurers.  
 
Research shows that almost half of small business owners have increased deductibles or copayments for their employees, and a quarter have required their employees to pay higher premiums. A recent article in HealthcareDive.com cited findings from a poll sponsored by the Small Business Majority and patient advocacy group Families USA noting that “small businesses are struggling to cover the high costs of health insurance for their employees after a year of COVID-19.”
 
The comprehensive health plans offered through the GHT are designed to fit employees’ needs and employer’s budgets, while providing a broad network of doctors and hospitals; competitive rates with a fixed, monthly payment; and quality service with AvMed’s Florida-based customer service. 
 
“Small businesses are the backbone of our community and healthcare is increasingly challenging for them to access,” said Alfred Sanchez, president and chief executive officer at Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. “The Greater Health Trust is an invaluable asset to small businesses looking to provide robust, but affordable healthcare options for their employees. This is an absolute win/win for all.”
 
“We have seen an overwhelming need for more affordable health coverage for small businesses,” said James M. Repp, president and chief operating officer at AvMed. “We look forward to seeing the great impact we can make for small businesses right here in our South Florida community.” 
 
For more information on the Greater Health Trust, send an email requesting information to:  GHT-quoting@avmed.org. 
 
 
About AvMed
AvMed transforms lives to create a WELLfluentTM world. By uniting around this sole purpose over our 50-year history, we’ve aimed to inspire our Floridian health plan Members to focus on celebrating the riches that matter most— health and happiness. Learn more at AvMed.org.
 
About the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce is the proud champion for the Greater Miami Business Community and a civic engine that fuels the advancement of The Magic City. Founded in 1907 as the Miami Board of Trade, today’s Chamber boasts representing more than 400,000-member company employees and is heralded for its legacy of leadership in economic development, and its unwavering commitment to improving the Miami-Dade community. For more information, please visit www.MiamiChamber.com. 
 


Acquires 17 additional gastroenterologists to treat patients in nine locations
 
July 1, 2021 –  Gastro Health, a national leading medical group specializing in digestive and liver health, has partnered with a group of 17 hospital-based gastroenterologists who will now become part of Gastro Health – Ohio, also known as Ohio GI, as of July 1.
 
The group of board-certified gastroenterologists will make the move from a Cincinnati-based hospital system. With this addition, Gastro Health – Ohio will now expand from 22 to 39 gastroenterologists, and have six advanced practice providers, across nine clinical practice locations and three endoscopy centers.
 
“Having this many experienced gastroenterologists joining Gastro Health together is a testament to the level of support we provide our physicians so that they can do what they do best, which is delivering the highest quality of care to patients,” said Gastro Health CEO Joseph Garcia. “Patients throughout the Cincinnati Metropolitan area will now have easier access to specialized GI care; and our goal is to continue to develop our presence in this region.”
 
This move mirrors a trend being seen in healthcare where physicians are choosing to join private practices over employment in a hospital setting. In the absence of hospital policies and regulations, private practices offer physicians the ability to set their own company culture which, in turn, creates a more “family-like” feel for patients. In addition, many physicians struggle with the constraints of a hospital setting which dictates where they perform surgery, what tools they will be able to use, and what materials they will have.
 
“Having clinical autonomy to practice medicine that I feel is in the best interest of my patients was a real driving point in my decision,” said Nav Grandhi, M.D. “When healthcare decisions are left in the hands of physicians, rather than influenced by the interests of other organizations, we are free to offer the best medical course of care, which ultimately increases patient trust and outcomes.”
 
Patients who see physicians in a private practice setting also benefit from lower costs and greater access to care with the ability to book appointments in a timelier manner.
 
The corporatization of medicine can also lead to physician burnout much more often than their independent counterparts. Studies have found that physicians who have independence and control over their aspects of work experience an improved quality of life, which translates into enthusiasm for their work and the patients they treat.
 
“We’re thrilled that this group of physicians has decided to join our team,” said Pradeep K. Bekal, M.D., FACG, FASGE, Vice President of Clinical Affairs for Gastro Health – Ohio and former president of Ohio GI before joining Gastro Health. “Our centralized group, managed by Daniel Walker, Division Vice President of Ohio, will continue to offer our community excellent care at lower costs.”
 
 
This latest acquisition by Gastro Health is part of a continued national growth and expansion period in the single-specialty gastroenterology sector over the last two years. Gastro Health has a presence in six states – Florida, Alabama, Washington, Virginia, Ohio, and Maryland – with over 100 locations and 350 providers consisting of medical office practices, infusion centers, imaging services, and a specialty pharmacy. Additionally, Gastro Health owns and operates endoscopy centers in five of the six states.
 
 
About Gastro Health
Gastro Health is one of the leading gastroenterology platforms in the United States supporting practices in Alabama, Florida, Maryland, Ohio, Virginia, and Washington. Gastro Health strives to provide outstanding medical care and an exceptional healthcare experience. The Gastro Health care teams utilize technology, clinical expertise, and compassionate care to provide a personalized approach to digestive health and overall wellness. Learn more at GastroHealth.com.
 


Interactive Flip Book of July Issue



Florida Blue Foundation grant funds to support mental well-being program for children in need
 
June 30, 2021 – Healthcare Network has been awarded a $400,000 multi-year grant from the Florida Blue Foundation. The funds will support mental well-being in children and adolescents through Healthcare Network’s integrated behavioral health model. The grant is part of the Florida Blue Foundation’s mental well-being program and aims to advance mental health for children and families with a holistic approach, taking into consideration the physical, mental, emotional and social needs of each patient. The grant will span over the next four years from 2021 to 2025. 
 
Since 2013, Healthcare Network has provided integrated behavioral health, a collaborative form of care where medical and behavioral health providers work together, as a team, to promote total wellness. This integrated care model blends primary care and mental health into one setting, allowing patients to experience a true team-based approach to healthcare. The model is highly effective because patients often seek medical care for physical symptoms that are related to or caused by behavioral issues. 
 
“Timely prevention and early intervention are paramount to long-term wellness and quality of life. Unfortunately, for at-risk and underserved children, mental healthcare isn’t often readily accessible,” said Dr. Courtney Whitt, behavioral health director for Healthcare Network. “With this extraordinary grant from the Florida Blue Foundation, we will be able to expand our work to support children and adolescents’ mental health through increased screenings and interventions – during the same time and same place children and teens routinely receive care for other essential aspects of their health.”
 
“Emotional and mental well-being in children is just as important as their physical health,” said Susan Towler, vice president of the Florida Blue Foundation. “Healthcare Network provides youth and their families holistic support that can enhance their health and well-being into adulthood. Their work across Collier County aligns with our mission of helping people and communities achieve better health.”
 
Healthcare Network is a medical and dental home where children and adults can receive patient-centered, team-based and continuous comprehensive healthcare services, regardless of income, insurance or employment status. Visit www.HealthcareSWFL.org to learn more or call 239-658-3000 to schedule an appointment. 
 
 
 
 
About Healthcare Network
Healthcare Network is committed to ensuring quality healthcare is accessible to everyone in our community, regardless of income or insurance status. Founded in 1977 to serve migrant farmworkers and their families in Immokalee, Healthcare Network now provides care to approximately 50,000 patients annually in practices throughout Collier County including the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile® and the Health and Smiles Mobile units. Healthcare Network provides primary healthcare services including family care, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, senior care, and pharmacy as well as dental care and integrated behavioral health for both adults and children. The organization’s newest location, the Nichols Community Health Center, is a 51,000-square-foot primary care medical center in Golden Gate. For more information, visit www.HealthcareSWFL.org, or to schedule an appointment, please call 239-658-3000.
 
 
About Florida Blue Foundation
Florida Blue Foundation enables healthy communities by making grants, building coalitions, and embracing solutions that create a meaningful impact in our communities. More than 6.5 million Floridians have received services as a result of our community investments since our founding in 2001. The Florida Blue Foundation’s programs are focused on advancing mental well-being, improving health equity, impacting food security, and addressing systemic racism and resulting health disparities. It is a trade name of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Foundation, Inc., an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, please visit www.FloridaBlueFoundation.com.