Amerigroup Maryland Receives Multicultural Health Care Distinction from the National Committee for Quality Assurance

Managed Care Weekly Digest

By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Managed Care Weekly Digest -- Amerigroup Maryland announced that is has been recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), which awards distinction to organizations that meet or exceed its rigorous requirements for multicultural healthcare. In acknowledgement of these efforts, NCQA awarded the health plan with the Multicultural Health Care Distinction, which recognizes organizations that lead the market in providing culturally and linguistically sensitive services, and work to reduce healthcare disparities (see also Amerigroup Maryland).

"Amerigroup Maryland is honored to receive the NCQA Multicultural Health Care Distinction and we look forward to continuing our commitment to providing high quality healthcare for all our members," said Vince Ancona, Amerigroup Maryland plan president. "This distinction is a testament to our unwavering commitment to address the needs of our distinct members and providers, and validates how we are making a positive impact in the diverse communities we serve."

In addition, NCQA also awarded the Multicultural Health Care Distinction to 16 other Medicaid health plans affiliated with Amerigroup's parent Company.

"Earning Multicultural Health Care Distinction shows that an organization is making a breakthrough in providing excellent health care to diverse populations. I congratulate any organization that achieves this level of distinction," said NCQA President Margaret E. O'Kane. "Eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in health care is essential to improving the quality of care overall."

The NCQA Multicultural Health Care Distinction is a symbol of quality in organizational efforts to address the diverse needs of its members. The Multicultural Health Care Distinction evaluates organizations, such as health plans, wellness, disease management and managed behavioral health organizations through use of an evidence-based set of requirements. These standards create a roadmap for improving and refining initiatives. About Amerigroup Maryland Amerigroup Maryland has provided health care coverage since 1999. Statewide, we serve approximately 266,000 members in the Medicaid, Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. Amerigroup Maryland is the state's largest Managed Care Organization (MCO) and is one of the largest MCOs in Baltimore City and the counties of Baltimore, Montgomery, Prince George's and Anne Arundel. Employees share genuine pride in making a difference in the lives of people who might need a little extra help. About NCQA NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA is committed to providing health care quality information for consumers, purchasers, health care providers and researchers. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170510005837/en/