ATLANTA and TAMPA, Fla., July 26,
2017 /PRNewswire/ -- It has been documented that those
living with severe mental disorders, such as schizophrenia,
depression, bipolar disorder or other psychotic disorders,
experience shorter lifespans compared to the general population.
However, the majority of these deaths are primarily due to
preventable physical health conditions, which go untreated.
To better meet the needs of those suffering from chronic
conditions and mental illness, WellCare of Georgia, a subsidiary of WellCare Health
Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG), partnered with Georgia HOPE to establish a
behavioral health home.
While not an actual 'home,' a behavioral health home is an
approach that connects all providers and specialists together to
ensure the whole health of an individual is being met.
Research shows that individuals with severe mental disorders who
are participating in a behavioral health home are more likely to
access primary care services, and therefore, avoid preventable
conditions.
Georgia HOPE, a qualified behavioral health home provider, will
provide behavioral health services and ensure collaboration with
and linkage to medical services for WellCare's Medicaid members
identified as having severe medical and behavioral health issues,
including those with a formal diagnosis of SMI, SED or substance
use disorder (SUD).
The most recent data compiled by the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicates that
approximately 5.4 percent of U.S. adults 18 and older experience
serious mental illness (SMI), meaning their condition restricts
daily functioning in their job, family, school, etc. The term for
children in this category is severe emotional disorder (SED).
SAMHSA's estimates indicate that 11 percent of children experience
an SED.
"Our members' health care is our top priority, and we must
ensure they get the right care at the right time in the most
appropriate setting," said Dr. Sultan
Simms, behavioral health medical director, WellCare of
Georgia. "Georgia HOPE's
member-focused model of care aims to improve health outcomes for
those living with complex medical and behavioral health challenges
by working collaboratively with primary care doctors and
specialists."
Georgia HOPE, based in Dalton,
Georgia, provides an integrated network of family
preservation services, behavioral health services and substance use
services throughout 21 counties in Northwest Georgia. In 2015, Georgia HOPE
became one of the first behavioral health providers in the nation
to be recognized as a Patient-Centered Specialty Practice. Georgia
HOPE achieved the highest level awarded by the National Committee
for Quality Assurance (NCQA), a nonprofit organization that
accredits and certifies health care organizations.
To further aid in improving health outcomes and providing a
better care experience for WellCare's members, Georgia HOPE will
also be incentivized for quality-based improvements in certain
Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) measures,
a tool used by more than 90 percent of America's health plans to
measure performance on important dimensions of care and
service.
"We are thrilled to partner with WellCare to establish its first
behavioral health home in Georgia," said Nikki
Raymond, CEO, Georgia HOPE. "The fact is that individuals
who suffer from severe psychiatric issues are at a greater risk for
hospitalization and/or medical ailments. Our commitment to
high-quality integrated health care aligns with WellCare's
behavioral health home model to improve health outcomes for the
individuals in our community. Beyond our commitment to high quality
is a culture that fosters a holistic approach in the way we, as
clinicians, view our clients. We hope that by seeing our clients
through this lens, we ensure their physical, mental and social
needs are met in a coordinated way. Ultimately, we are working
alongside them to increase life expectancy and improve
wellness."
As of March 31, 2017, WellCare
serves approximately 579,000 Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids® plan
members, 44,000 Medicare Advantage plan members and 20,000 Medicare
Prescription Drug Plan members in Georgia. To learn more about how WellCare
cares for Georgians, watch Gloria's story at
http://youtu.be/qyn-nywze04.
About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
Headquartered in
Tampa, Fla., WellCare Health
Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) focuses exclusively on providing
government-sponsored managed care services, primarily through
Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans,
to families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical
needs. The company serves approximately 4.1 million members
nationwide as of March 31, 2017. For
more information about WellCare, please visit the company's website
at www.wellcare.com or view the company's videos at
https://www.youtube.com/user/WellCareHealthPlan.
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SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.