Managed Care Organization recognized for excellence in coordinating assistance that helps members live independently
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — BlueCare Tennessee is the first managed care organization in the country to earn Distinction Status from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) in Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS).
NCQA’s LTSS Distinction supports health plans in developing best practices for person-centered care planning and effective care transitions, and for measuring quality improvement to support people living optimally in their preferred setting. The program offers distinctions to organizations that meet certain requirements in areas such as conducting comprehensive assessments, managing care transitions, performing person-centered assessments and planning and managing critical incidents.
“We are honored to be the first managed care organization in the U.S. to earn this designation,” said Amber Cambron, BlueCare Tennessee CEO. “It’s a testament to the hard work and expertise of our LTSS teams. Our employees genuinely care about the people they serve, and this fact is reflected in the quality of care our members receive.”
BlueCare Tennessee received the designation in part for its excellence in care coordination as well as a highly collaborative approach to serving members. The program was also highlighted for the effective use of technology and reporting, and for the quality of its recordkeeping.
“This recognition validates not only our internal system of collaboration and accountability, but our commitment to meeting our members where they are,” said Stephani Ryan, Long-Term Services and Supports vice president for BlueCare Tennessee. “We are dedicated to providing exactly what members and their families need to meet their personal goals and enjoy the highest possible quality of life overall.”
The designation was based on the CHOICES program, which was launched in 2010 and is administered by the Division of TennCare. CHOICES helps older adults and/or individuals with disabilities remain as independent as possible. It connects members with services provided in the home, on the job, or in the community to assist with daily living activities and allow people to work and be actively involved in the local community.
Care coordinators and consumer advocates work directly with each member to determine needs and craft a plan to meet those needs, engaging community-based services or facilities that can provide the appropriate level of care for each individual.
BlueCare Tennessee also administers the new Employment and Community First CHOICES Program for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“It’s exciting to see BlueCare honored in this way,” said Patti Killingsworth, TennCare’s Chief of Long-Term Services and Supports. “I think this demonstrates the tremendous value that health plans can bring in coordinating high quality services and supports in a person-centered way that help people with disabilities live meaningful lives in the community.”
For more information about BlueCare Tennessee, including the CHOICES and Employment and Community First CHOICES programs, visit bluecare.bcbst.com.
About BlueCare Tennessee
BlueCare Tennessee is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. Founded in 1993, the Chattanooga-based company focuses on managing care and providing quality health care products, services and information for government programs. BlueCare Tennessee currently serves more than 500,000 members.
About TennCare
TennCare is the state of Tennessee’s Medicaid program which provides health insurance to approximately 1.4 million low-income Tennesseans including pregnant women, children, caretaker relatives of dependent children and older adults and adults with physical disabilities. With a satisfaction rating above 90 percent since 2009 TennCare provides health insurance through the use of managed care.