By
Rene Macapinlac
Access to primary care is important, but there are
other factors outside of the doctor’s office that determine one’s health. To
help its member lead healthier lives, health plans should focus on advocacy and
community-based programs.
Speaking to attendees of the Medicaid Managed Care
Congress in Baltimore, Carol Steckel, senior director of public policy at
WellCare, emphasized how identifying community-based solutions help improve
health outcomes of their members and ultimately lower overall cost of care.
At WellCare, Steckel said they examine the health and
welfare in the populations they serve. Using that data, they are able to
identify the gaps in the network of social services. Where needed they link
their members to such services as housing assistance, employment services, food
banks and education support. They also improve quality of life for residents by providing transportation
for seniors and people with disabilities so that they could go to medical
appointments, day programs and shop for groceries.
Linking members with the community and social services
improves health outcomes and ultimately lowers overall cost of care.
Rene
Macapinlac is the Director of Operations at ManagedCareBiz, an online resource for managed care
professionals who need to stay up-to-date on industry news, analysis and
commentary.
