CountyCare was recently awarded its first-ever National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Health Equity Accreditation, earning a perfect score on the review.
In its evaluation, NCQA highlighted CountyCare’s commitment to providing care in members’ preferred language, responding to their needs in a timely manner and addressing existing healthcare disparities. The plan was also lauded for its dedicated and knowledgeable staff and its ongoing initiatives to further reduce health inequities across Cook County.
“With more than 1.5 million Cook County residents enrolled in Medicaid, advancing health equity must remain a priority for our community,” said Toni Preckwinkle, president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. “Every resident deserves access to high-quality, affordable health care, regardless of who they are, where they live or the circumstances in which they were raised. CountyCare continues to play an important role in expanding access to care and improving health outcomes for its members and for communities across Cook County. We are grateful for their continued commitment to that work.”
Recognized as the industry standard, NCQA awards accreditation to health insurance plans that meet or exceed its rigorous, evidence-based standards. To earn Health Equity Accreditation, health plans must demonstrate an understanding of their population’s specific needs and an ability to identify and address any barriers to access. They must also commit to continuous monitoring of their progress in these categories, employing measures uniquely tailored to each organization.
“Healthcare doesn’t begin and end at the doctor’s office,” said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, CCH’s chief executive officer. “Whether it’s connecting members to good-quality food or safe and reliable housing, CountyCare strives to not only meet its members’ health needs but understand them from every possible angle. Its person-centric, community-based initiatives are a shining example of CCH’s mission to enable all individuals to live their healthiest lives.”
Ahead of upcoming changes to Medicaid eligibility, CountyCare has amplified its presence in the community to provide education and in-person support with enrollment and renewal. Over the past year, it has hosted nearly 250 redetermination events and assisted more than 12,000 people in applying for or renewing their Medicaid coverage.
“The most important thing we can do as a Medicaid plan is meet our members where they are,” said Aaron Galeener, chief administrative officer for CountyCare. “As our complex healthcare environment continues to evolve, CountyCare ensures that our members will not have to navigate it on their own. I’m proud that our team reflects that commitment in their daily work and continually goes the extra mile for the communities we serve.”
NCQA also granted CountyCare its three-year overall Health Plan Accreditation, including its first-ever Long-Term Services and Supports distinction.
CountyCare provides comprehensive medical coverage and a wide range of benefits like no-cost prescriptions, resources for expecting parents and transportation assistance for medical appointments. It serves individuals enrolled in Opción de Salud Illinois, the state’s Medicaid managed care program.
To learn more about NCQA accreditation, click aquí.