Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Kentucky Medicaid Awarded NCQA Quality Accreditation for New Health Plans

Managed Care Weekly Digest

By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Managed Care Weekly Digest -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Kentucky Medicaid announced that the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) has awarded New Health Plan Accreditation to its Medicaid managed care plan, which coordinates physical health, behavioral health, dental care and vision services for more than 119,000 Kentuckians. NCQA's New Health Plan Accreditation Program applies to health plans that are less than 36 months old. The program is distinct from NCQA's Health Plan Accreditation Program. The award recognizes service and clinical quality that meet or exceed NCQA's rigorous requirements for consumer protection and quality improvement. Accreditation is valid for three years (see also Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Kentucky).

"Health plans that step forward to participate in NCQA's New Health Plan Accreditation Program early on in their history are to be especially commended," said Margaret E. O'Kane, NCQA president. "Our standards are rigorous, and by meeting them, Anthem Blue and Cross Blue Shield Kentucky Medicaid has shown that it is well designed and serious about the quality of care it provides."

"This accreditation is a reflection of Anthem's commitment to developing and delivering quality products and services that meet the unique needs of our members," said Cecelia Manlove, Medicaid plan president for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Kentucky. "It is an honor to be acknowledged for providing quality, effective care to our members, and we thank our associates and provider partners for all the hard work that went into achieving this award."

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield launched its Kentucky Medicaid plan in 2014, and has since been awarded contracts to expand Kentucky Medicaid and the Kentucky Children's Health Insurance program (KCHIP) services across the entire commonwealth. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Kentucky plans also offer NCQA accredited Medicare, Federal Employee Program, group, individual and specialty health plans. Collectively, Anthem Blue Cross Blue and Shield Kentucky health plans serve more than 1.8 million members and have provided services in Kentucky for nearly 80 years. ABOUT ANTHEM BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD KENTUCKY MEDICAID Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield serves approximately 119,000 Medicaid beneficiaries in Kentucky. Every day, members of the Anthem team can be found in Kentucky communities listening to our members, interacting with our providers and partnering with community-based organizations. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield began serving Medicaid beneficiaries in Kentucky in 2014. To learn more, visit https://mss.anthem.com/ky/Pages/AboutUs.aspx. 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's Web site (www.ncqa.org) contains information to help consumers, employers and others make more informed health care choices. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170516005458/en/