AMVETS and CareSource Partner to Transform Veterans Health Care

DAYTON, Ohio, July 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CareSource, an Ohio-based nonprofit health plan has been selected by AMVETS (American Veterans) the National congressionally chartered Veterans organization to develop a health care program using their managed care model. CareSource coordinates health care access for underserved populations and has recently expanded its focus to include veterans who face health care access issues. This program will allow Veterans the choice of access to health care outside of the (VA) system.

AMVETS recently added health care intervention and advocacy services for underserved veterans to its portfolio of programs. The supportive services coincide with the organization's highly anticipated launch of the HEAL Program in March 2018. The HEAL program is an initiative designed to address access to health care issues.

Following the passage of the VA Mission Act earlier this month, AMVETS met with senior executives from CareSource to discuss the future of veterans' health care and how the two organizations could play an active role in developing an innovative program.

Senior officials from both organizations conceptualized the attributes of the "perfect" health care system for veterans through innovations and efficiencies, as sanctioned by provisions in the VA Mission Act. While the details of the new plan are still being developed, the design concept protects veterans, enforces consistent standards, and promotes accountability principles that form the foundation of the new partnership.

"Many assume the VA Mission Act was put in effect once it was signed by President Donald Trump earlier this month, but that's not the case," said Joseph Chenelly, AMVETS National Executive Director. "It will take quite some time, likely months, for new regulations to be implemented. However, we do not intend to wait that long to take action. Lives are at stake, and we have an obligation to save as many as we can ... right now! This new partnership will position us to do just that."

President Trump signed the Mission Act into law June 6, 2018. The new law was enacted to correct gaps in care due to funding issues associated with the VA Choice program, and it consolidates the funding streams used to pay for care in the community. It will also provide funding for the education, training and recruitment of clinicians, VA infrastructure review, caregiver support expansion, and pilot programs that explore innovative practices. Veterans will still have the option to receive care in the VA, but they will also have access to walk-in care in the community, under the new law, without preauthorization in areas where quality and timely VA care is inaccessible.

"CareSource is honored to have the opportunity to serve American heroes through the development of a new and innovative model that will ensure our veterans have choice and access to the health care that they so richly deserve," said Erhardt Preitauer, President & CEO, CareSource. "CareSource's vast experience working with special populations makes us uniquely qualified to support veterans through innovative health and life services programs."

The Washington Times, "A new independence for America's veterans," July 3, 2018, Joseph Chenelly and Erhardt Preitauer: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/jul/3/the-veterans-affairs-mission-act-offers-veterans-f/

About AMVETS
Founded more than 70 years ago, AMVETS has more than 250,000 members across the United States. The nonprofit organization's mission is to enhance and safeguard the entitlements for All-American Veterans who have served honorably, including the National Guard and Reserve, and to improve the quality of life for the 22 million veterans in the U.S., their families, and the communities where they live through leadership, advocacy and services. 

About CareSource
CareSource is a nonprofit, nationally recognized as an industry leader in providing member-centric health care coverage. Founded in 1989, CareSource administers one of the nation's largest Medicaid managed care plans. Today, CareSource offers individuals and families' comprehensive health and life services including Marketplace and Medicare Advantage plans.

Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, CareSource serves nearly 2 million members in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia and Georgia. CareSource understands the challenges consumers face navigating the health system and works to put health care in reach for those it serves.

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SOURCE CareSource