Gateway Health Launches ForeverCare Health Plan In Arkansas

Managed Care Weekly Digest

By a News Reporter-Staff News Editor at Managed Care Weekly Digest -- Gateway Health, a leading Medicaid Managed Care Organization is expanding access to healthcare coverage through ForeverCare, Inc., a newly established and approved Medicaid PASSE in Arkansas. The PASSE (Provider-owned Arkansas Shared Saving Entity) model of care is unique to Arkansas and provides coordination of physical health, behavioral health and home and community services to vulnerable Arkansans who qualify for these services due to specific health conditions. Care coordination is increasingly important to Medicaid programs since it has shown success in improving health outcomes of individuals while reducing costs (see also Gateway Health).

"We are honored that the State of Arkansas and their Department of Human Services (DHS) recognizes our commitment to and expertise in providing access to high quality, healthcare to complex populations in both rural and urban communities," said Patti Darnley, CEO of Gateway Health and Board Chair of ForeverCare. "This innovative healthcare delivery model combined with our member-centric approach will give at risk individuals in Arkansas the care they need both today and in the future."

ForeverCare was certified by the Arkansas Department of Insurance and DHS and licensed as a new PASSE on November 15, 2017 based on the fulfillment of network adequacy requirements so that Medicaid enrollees have access to Behavioral Health services, Developmental Disabilities services, Hospitals, Physicians and Pharmacies within a 60 mile radius. There are currently over 30,000 individuals in Arkansas who would be eligible for membership in ForeverCare. Enrollment in ForeverCare will become available to eligible members in 2018.

"This is an exciting time for Arkansas and its residents who stand poised to gain access to the highest quality healthcare and services from a health plan that truly understands and responds to their complex and often overwhelming needs," said LaShannon Spencer, interim ForeverCare President. "We are pleased to partner with Gateway Health to launch ForeverCare and look forward to giving these eligible individuals the care they deserve and the State of Arkansas a Medicaid health plan that can exceed their very important needs and expectations."

For more information on ForeverCare please visit www.forevercare.com.