Oklahoma Health Care Authority Continues to Save Millions in Healthcare Costs, Improving Quality of Care

WEST DES MOINES, Iowa, Nov. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- An investment in chronic condition management is paying off in a big way for Oklahoma's Medicaid program. An independent evaluation shows the Telligen-administered SoonerCare Health Management Program (HMP) over the last four years has saved Oklahoma taxpayers $106.6 million with a return on investment of 288 percent.

Telligen helps the HMP at the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (Oklahoma Medicaid) deliver value by identifying members who are high-risk or at-risk for developing chronic conditions and also works with primary care providers to provide higher-quality, more patient-centered, and cost-effective care. The program's combination of personalized health coaching and one-on-one practice facilitation provides: 1) increased education and support to members with chronic conditions; and 2) strategies that help physician practices identify and prioritize improvement goals and track progress.

"This program is not just saving money; it's about finding innovative ways to help Medicaid members eliminate barriers to care and improve their health," said DJ Jones, Telligen's HMP Director. "By engaging both members and physicians we have a better chance of improving outcomes, delivering value and lowering costs."

For members with chronic conditions — from heart disease, to asthma, to diabetes — Telligen embeds registered nurses within primary care practices and provides one-on-one health coaching, telephone support and home visits. In addition, the HMP features on-site practice facilitators who help physicians redesign clinical processes and eliminate gaps in care. Over the past four years these strategies comprised $106.6 million of total program savings. Evaluations from FY 2017 show 87 percent of members reporting a "very satisfied" experience with their health coaches.

"Successful condition management requires that the right processes are in place," says Jones. "Strategies that incorporate physician input, collaboration and support are essential to delivering value to the healthcare system."

Now in its tenth year administering the program, Telligen starts by identifying high-risk members, then puts strategies in place that promote prevention through patient education and help primary care physicians deliver better care.

The total results of the HMP at OHCA over the last ten years has thus far achieved taxpayer savings of more than $288.5 million.

"This program represents a major change in the way state Medicaid programs are delivering care," says Jeff Chungath, Telligen CEO. "Oklahoma is taking an active role in ensuring members are receiving the preventative care and education necessary to manage their conditions. The end result is a reduction in avoidable complications and costly hospital visits."

About Telligen
For more than 45 years, Telligen has improved the quality and cost-effectiveness of healthcare for consumers and providers. Telligen serves commercial clients and government programs at the federal, state and local level, improving health outcomes for millions of people nationwide. For more information, visit www.telligen.com.

About SoonerCare
Oklahoma's Medicaid program, known as SoonerCare, is administered by the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA). SoonerCare works to improve the health outcomes of Oklahomans by ensuring medically necessary benefits and services are available to our members. Qualifying Oklahomans include certain low-income children, seniors, the disabled, those being treated for breast or cervical cancer and those seeking family planning services. Insure Oklahoma assists qualifying adults and small business employees in obtaining health care coverage for themselves and their families. OHCA strives to educate and engage our current 802,183 members regarding personal responsibilities for their health services utilization, behaviors, and outcomes in partnership with a state-wide network of 49,371 providers. For more information, visit www.okhca.org.  

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SOURCE Telligen