Amerigroup Texas Secures ‘Commendable’ NCQA Accreditation [Professional Services Close – Up]

Amerigroup, a subsidiary of WellPoint, Inc., announced the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has awarded accreditation status of "Commendable" to its Texas health plan, Amerigroup Texas, Inc.

"We are honored to receive this recognition from the NCQA and are committed to offering services that meet the health needs of our members," said LeAnn Behrens, president, Medicaid Health Plan- Texas. "We place a strong focus on quality improvement and state budget savings and are proud our efforts are improving the health care landscape in Texas."

In a release, Amerigroup Texas said it has programs to help make the health care system work better including:

Obstetrics (OB) Case Management - This program is designed to improve birth outcomes of high-risk pregnant members. The Amerigroup Texas OB Case Management program includes a team of experienced OB registered nurses. As a result of this program, Amerigroup's premature delivery rate consistently has been below the state average for the past 10 years

Service Coordination for People with Disabilities and Seniors - This program focuses on providing service coordination to members with disabilities and seniors with physical, medical, mental, social and/or functional needs

Asthma Case Management - This program proactively identifies and responds to the health care needs of members who suffer from asthma

Rising State of Texas Access Reform (STAR) - This program focuses on stabilizing members who are frequently hospitalized for conditions related to mental health and substance abuse. As a result of the program, the total monthly medical costs for Rising STAR members currently active in the program decreased by 28 percent

According to NCQA guidelines, "Commendable" accreditation is awarded to organizations with well-established programs for service and clinical quality that meet rigorous requirements for consumer protection and quality improvement.

Amerigroup provides health care coverage in the state and serves 770,000 members enrolled in various programs, including State of Texas Access Reform (STAR), STAR+PLUS, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicare Advantage programs in 230 counties.

NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality.

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