BlueCross BlueShield expands Medicaid care in Niagara, Orleans counties

Jan. 08--BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York is expanding its Medicaid managed care footprint into Niagara and Genesee counties.

Approved by the New York Department of Health, the region's largest health plan will begin offering Medicaid products to residents in these counties effective Feb. 1.

The expansion comes within one year of launching a new strategic alliance with Amerigroup Partnership Plan to help administer the company's Medicaid managed care programs. The alliance allowed BlueCross BlueShield to remain in Medicaid long term, and help mitigate persistent financial losses sustained in the program.

"Offering services and support in these counties was one of the early goals established in the implementation of our relationship with Amerigroup," said Stephen T. Swift, BlueCross BlueShield's executive vice president and CFO. "After a smooth transition, the timing is right to continue our growth through this strategic alliance and offer high-quality, Medicaid offerings to Niagara and Genesee residents."

Since the alliance with Amerigroup began in November of 2016, BlueCross BlueShield's Medicaid and Child Health Plus membership has grown by approximately 33 percent.

Added J.P. Holland, vice president, Medicaid Partnerships, "One of our top priorities is to ensure access to high-quality health care services, and this expansion will help us achieve that goal while we continue to improve health outcomes across our state."

According to the latest publicly-available data, there are approximately 8,500 residents of Genesee County and 37,000 residents of Niagara County enrolled in Medicaid Managed Care programs.

Medicaid is a government-funded health insurance program that provides coverage to low-income and certain aged and disabled individuals. Individuals seeking coverage for Medicaid should contact the New York State of Health Marketplace to determine their eligibility by visiting www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or calling (855) 355-5777.

Information on BlueCross BlueShield's Medicaid and Child Health Plus offerings can be viewed at https://www.mybcbswny.com/wny-members/ny-home.html.

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