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DentaQuest Selected by Partners Health Plan to Administer Dental Benefits for Individuals with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities in New York

DentaQuest, one of the nation’s largest and most experienced Medicaid dental benefits administrators, today announced its new engagement with Partners Health Plan (PHP) to increase access to oral health care and improve outcomes for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Partners Health Plan (PHP), a nonprofit managed care organization serving individuals with I/DD, selected DentaQuest to administer dental benefits and specialized services for its members. With the addition of PHP to its other government clients, DentaQuest now serves 63% of Medicaid enrollees in the state.

“We are honored to support Partners Health Plan in its commitment to serving adults with I/DD,” said Steven Pollock, president of DentaQuest. “We’ve long recognized the importance of increasing health equity for all, and health plans like PHP that focus on underserved populations are critical to making it happen. Oral health is often overlooked as more immediate medical needs take precedence, but as we know good oral health drives overall health and everyone can benefit from routine, preventive care. Innovative approaches, such as our industry-leading case management program, provide an extra level of support for individuals with I/DD and their caregivers to navigate a complex, imperfect health system to ultimately get the right treatment, at the right time.”

DentaQuest’s case management program helps identify appropriate resources needed to resolve a member’s issue – often unrelated to health care – and coordinates access to those resources with PHP care managers to ultimately achieve optimal oral health. Together, DentaQuest’s case management team and PHP care managers partner to secure transportation, medical clearance, sedation and anesthesia, hospital level care and other dental services.  The collaboration between PHP and DentaQuest has led to a substantial increase in member utilization and appears to be addressing long standing access challenges faced by the I/DD population.

Launched in 2016, PHP develops and coordinates personalized life plans that ensure participants receive the essential medical, behavioral, dental, habilitation, and other services and supports needed. Dental care is the primary unmet need for adults with I/DD. More than 30% of children with I/DD are likely to have their first dental visit delayed, and in general, individuals with I/DD are less likely to receive necessary restorative care. Addressing this disparity is a critical component in impacting overall health equity for individuals with I/DD, as poor oral health can result not only in dental caries and gum disease, but can impact overall health, potentially leading to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

“The work we are accomplishing with DentaQuest shines a light on what is possible across the nation – people with I/DD deserve and can achieve lifelong optimal oral health and wellness when we create the right partnerships and invest in the right programs,” said Kerry Delaney, CEO, PHP. “We look forward to continuing our partnership and the measurable results we are seeing in dental care for PHP members.”

In the future months, PHP will also be piloting teledentistry and mobile dentistry programs in partnership with DentaQuest to increase access to oral health care for members.

About DentaQuest

DentaQuest is a purpose-driven health care company dedicated to improving the oral health of all. We do this through Preventistry® — our inclusive approach to quality care and expanded access built on trusted partnerships between patients, providers and payors. As one of the nation’s largest and most experienced Medicaid dental benefits administrators, we manage dental and vision benefits for more than 33 million Americans through a nationwide network of providers in all 50 states. Our outcomes-based, cost-effective dental solutions are designed for Medicaid and CHIP, Medicare Advantage, small and large businesses, and individuals. At the same time, we are expanding our footprint of more than 70 oral health centers in six states to deliver direct patient care in rural and underserved populations. Learn more at www.DentaQuest.com and follow us on FacebookInstagramLinkedIn, and Twitter.

About Partners Health Plan

Partners Health Plan (PHP) is the first-in-the-nation, provider-led managed care organization that fully integrates Medicare and Medicaid for individuals 21 years and older with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), so they have the most complete care package. PHP provides person-centered care for whole-person wellness addressing the physical, behavioral, and social needs of individuals to assist them in living a quality life. The plan operates in 4 New York State regions (nine downstate counties): New York City, Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties), Rockland County, and Westchester County. For more information, visit www.phpcares.org.

Health Care Options Expanded for PHP Members: Stony Brook Medicine Joins PHP Provider Network

BRONX, NY, October 4, 2022— On September 1, 2022, Stony Brook Medicine joined the Partners Health Plan (PHP) provider network offering services to PHP members.
Kerry Delaney, PHP CEO stated, “We are very happy to welcome them back into our network. This will expand care options for PHP members. Stony Brook Medicine is an extensive health care system. It includes three acute care hospitals and many affiliated specialty groups and physicians with specialized services for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). This relationship will deepen the care choices that PHP members and their families have come to expect from us in providing state-of-the-art supports and services.”
For more information on the Stony Brook Medicine providers and locations that are now part of the PHP provider network, please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
About the facilities and services in the Stony Brook Medicine – PHP relationship
3 Acute Care Hospitals:
• Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY
• Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital, Greenport, NY
• Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, Southampton, NY
Affiliated specialty groups and physicians that offer the following services:
• Ambulatory Health Centers
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Dialysis
• Family Medicine
• GI and Hepatology
• Inpatient/Outpatient Psychiatry
• Mammography
• Oncology
• Orthopedics
• Podiatry
• Radiology
• Sleep Disorders
• Urology

Members Only Event: Partners Health Plan (PHP) Seeks to Overcome Dental Health Disparities For Individuals with IDD

Members Only Event: Partners Health Plan (PHP) Seeks to Overcome Dental Health Disparities For Individuals with IDD

Specialized Dental Care for those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Comes to Metro NY.

January 9, 2023 — New York
Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) are known to have poorer oral/dental health than people without IDD. Studies show that people with IDD have 30% more untreated cavities, 50% more missing teeth, and 150% more gum disease.

The biggest reason for this health disparity is access to oral health care for children and adults with IDD: lack of preventive and regular care, including management of secondary medical conditions that are related to oral health, leads to more significant oral health problems. Wait times for IDD specialized services can be as long as a year at practices and dental school programs that offer them.

But Partners Health Plan (PHP), a NY-based health plan that is exclusively dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of individuals with IDD, is committed to ensuring the oral health of its members.

“Improving access to dental care for our community of service in New York State is mission-critical,” added Steven Merahn, MD, Medical Director, Partners Health Plan. “Our overarching goal is to improve the quality of life of our members and the relationship between oral health and overall well-being is well established.”

“Our overarching goal is to improve the quality of life of our members and the relationship between oral health and overall well-being is well established.”

Steven Merahn, MD, Medical Director, Partners Health Plan.


To achieve this goal, PHP has partnered with Solvere Health to deploy specialized IDD mobile dental clinics at select-day service locations in Metro New York to reduce travel demands. Solvere Health is a company that specializes in the delivery of high-quality clinical services through group health events via mobile medical units or pop-up clinics to underserved populations. Individuals with IDD may struggle with the sights, sounds and experiences encountered during dental care, and the PHP-Solvere Dental Health Program will conduct specialized desensitization sessions to prepare individuals for the dental care experience and mobile clinic environments. The mobile dental units are also fully accessible for individuals with mobility challenges.

“Expanding the availability of quality healthcare services to underserved communities is central to Solvere Health's mission. We view the collaboration with Partner Health Plan as a way to make quality dental care accessible to persons with I/DD,” stated Edward Lorch, CEO, Solvere Health, “Our mobile clinics offer a solution that is empathetic and considerate. We factor in the patient population's comfort (including desensitization), convenience, mobility, and communication. When engineering and staffing the mobile clinic, we understand that taking a holistic view of the patient leads to a positive oral healthcare experience and repeat preventative care.”

“This mobile dental clinic initiative is a very exciting opportunity as it will open access to oral healthcare,” noted Rita Marie Bilello, DDS, CEO, and former Dental Director of Metro Community Health Centers. “This new dental care model will bridge a much-needed gap for Partners Health Plan (PHP) members, all adults with IDD, who have been unable to access routine preventative oral health care services. Mobilizing dental services will begin to address some of the access issues and will allow for PHP to better assist in getting their members the oral care that they need.”

The first mobile dental clinic for PHP members is scheduled at the PHP corporate headquarters located at 2500 Halsey Street in the Bronx on Saturday, February 18, 2023. Future mobile health clinic locations will include locations in the New York City, Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties), Rockland County, and Westchester County where PHP operates. PHP welcomes partnerships with local agencies to serve as destination sites for a mobile clinic.

For more information please contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

News organizations that want to attend/cover the first clinic should reach out to Elizabeth Wales, Assistant Vice President, Strategic Communications at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 518-410-5629.

About Partners Health Plan
Partners Health Plan (PHP) is the first-in-the-nation, provider-led managed care organization that fully integrates Medicare and Medicaid for individuals 21 years and older with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), so they have the most complete care package. PHP provides person-centered care for whole-person wellness addressing the physical, behavioral, and social needs of individuals to assist them in living a quality life. The plan operates in 4 New York State regions (nine downstate counties): New York City, Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties), Rockland County, and Westchester County. For more information, visit www.phpcares.org.

About Solvere Health
Working with state and federal, institutional, and corporate partners, Solvere Health brings a business discipline to health challenges across the United States through onsite, mobile, and digital healthcare solutions. Deploying a team of highly motivated, accountable problem solvers, we stand up sustainable, end-to-end programs in rapid response to group health events, disaster relief, and underserved rural communities, via onsite pop-ups, mobile clinics, and strategically placed brick-and-mortar locations. Our efficient approach combines exacting strategic planning, comprehensive compliance management, unparalleled logistics, state-of-the-art mobile healthcare technology, and emerging digital health applications.

New Report Determines Partners Health Plan’s FIDA-IDD Demonstration Shows Positive Impact and Progress for Enrollees with Complex Care Needs

BRONX, NY, July 6, 2022— Partners Health Plan (PHP), a nonprofit managed care organization dedicated to serving individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), is pleased to announce that the results of an independent evaluation funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) indicate positive returns for enrollees in the New York Fully Integrated Duals Advantage for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FIDA-IDD) demonstration.

The FIDA-IDD demonstration is a pilot program established to test the success of delivering services that address the whole person and promote community involvement and independence for people with IDD eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid benefits. According to the findings, PHP is well on its way toward meeting those objectives.

“This is an extremely positive report,” said Kerry Delaney, CEO of PHP, “but also acknowledges in a realistic way the challenges we have faced.” Those challenges stemmed from the newness of managed care for providers in the space, lack of plan coverage awareness for covered entities, and providers’ refusal to participate or offer services to the population just to name a few. Despite these challenges, key findings reflect that if implemented correctly, managed care can be a viable option to serve people with IDD.”

Key Findings:

  • Through the comprehensive “It’s All About Me” (I AM) assessment tool, PHP effectively elicited responses from the IDD population about health and wellness needs allowing enrollees to leverage control over benefit options impacting their everyday lives.
  • Innovative solutions like the pharmacy management program reduced errors, unnecessary emergency department visits, and length of hospital stays. Similarly, the telehealth program successfully resolved 90% of consultations virtually. The rewards incentive program “Choose Health” also received positive feedback for motivating members to achieve preventive health goals.
  • While the new rate payment method has been a challenge to cover certain member populations, like older and frailer members, programs like pharmacy management are viewed as innovative cost-savings strategies.
  • Regularly engaging stakeholders from the Participant Advisory Committee helped to address real-time needs, like improvements to transportation services and communications efforts.

One of the best measures of the impact Partners Health Plan has had on member health and experiences comes from the members themselves. PHP FIDA-IDD plan member, Jessica, stated, “Recently I needed special comprehension therapy for my legs and was able to get something to help me at home. This keeps me healthy and helps my ability to walk. I want to keep my independence. I also have support from my Care Manager and my Broker with my self-direction!”

As the agency responsible for the IDD program in New York State, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) was integral in the demonstration’s design and implementation. “OPWDD has been pleased to collaborate with Partners Health Plan on the FIDA-IDD program, which has offered people an opportunity to coordinate their health and long-term care services in a new and innovative way,” said OPWDD Commissioner Kerri Neifeld. “We look forward to continuing to work with Partners Health Plan and the larger provider community to ensure quality supports and services are available to NYers with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
Read the full report here: https://innovation.cms.gov/data-and-reports/2022/fai-ny-fida-idd-prelim-firstsecondevalrpt.

###
About Partners Health Plan: Partners Health Plan (PHP) is the first-in-the-nation, provider-led managed care organization that fully integrates Medicare and Medicaid for individuals 21 years and older with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD), so they have the most complete care package. PHP provides person-centered care for whole-person wellness addressing the physical, behavioral, and social needs of individuals to assist them in living a quality life. The plan operates in 4 New York State regions (nine downstate counties): New York City, Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties), Rockland County, and Westchester County. For more information, visit www.phpcares.org.

About CMS Financial Alignment Initiative: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) created the Medicare-Medicaid Financial Alignment Initiatives (FAI) Demonstrations to test in partnership with States integrated care models for dually eligible beneficiaries with the goal to improve care for dually eligible beneficiaries and reduce program costs through an aligned financial and person-centered care coordination structure. A longstanding barrier to coordinating care for Medicare-Medicaid enrollees has been the financial misalignment between Medicare and Medicaid. For more information, visit Financial Alignment Initiative (FAI) | CMS.

 

Partners Health Plan Chief Medical Officer Featured Presenter at a Resources for Integrated Care (RIC) Webinar

Strategies For Improving Care Coordination for Individuals With Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities

Stephan Deutsch, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Partners Health Plan (PHP), a nonprofit managed care organization dedicated to serving individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), will be a featured presenter at a Resources for Integrated Care (RIC) webinar on August 9 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm. The webinar will discuss strategies for providing coordinated care for individuals with IDD, risk stratification strategies to drive interventions, and family or caregiver support, education, and outreach.

Other webinar presenters include Joan Beasley, PhD, Research Professor, National Center for START Services, Director, National Research Consortium on MH-IDD, Institute on Disability (UCED), University of New Hampshire; and Emily Lauer, PhD, MPH, Director, Eunice Kennedy Shriver Center, UMass Chan Medical School.  Presenters will describe the current gaps in care for individuals with IDD and they will share strategies for delivering person-centered care using interdisciplinary teams (IDTs) and innovative care coordination models.

Partners Health Plan has operated the New York Fully Integrated Duals Advantage for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FIDA-IDD) demonstration since 2016. It is the only FIDA-IDD plan in the nation and has been successfully delivering services that address the whole person and promote community involvement and independence for people with IDD who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid benefits.

“Webinar participants will understand the impact of person-centered coordinated care strategies based on data,” stated Dr. Stephan Deutsch, Chief Medical Officer for Partners Health Plan, “in a managed care environment to enhance the quality of care for each individual with IDD so he/she may achieve optimal healthcare and social outcomes.”

 

Webinar Registration

Click here to visit the RIC website to complete the webinar registration form. If you need assistance in registering, please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Continuing Education (CE) credits are available for Continuing Nursing Education and the National Association of Social Workers. Individuals are encouraged to check with their specific licensing boards or other agencies to confirm that courses taken from these accrediting bodies will be accepted by that entity.

 

About Partners Health Plan

Partners Health Plan (PHP) is the first-in-the-nation, provider-led managed care organization that fully integrates Medicare and Medicaid for individuals 21 years and older with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD), so they have the most complete care package. PHP provides person-centered care for whole-person wellness addressing the physical, behavioral, and social needs of individuals to assist them in living a quality life. The plan operates in 4 New York State regions (nine downstate counties): New York City, Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties), Rockland County, and Westchester County.

Partners Health Plan is Featured Guest on MediSked Podcast

Partners Health Plan is Featured Guest on MediSked Podcast

Partners Health Plan was a featured MediSked Podcast guest on January 4, 2023,. The podcast entitled, “Inclusion Benefits All-- The Case for Employing Neurodiverse Individuals” delivered important information on the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities. Karleen Haines, Chief of Member Relations & Advocacy in the podcast’s Q&A delivered key points on the value of eliminating barriers and diversifying the workforce, especially if the hiring goals are embedded in the organization’s mission.

Listeners are asked thought provoking questions such as, “What type of support do I need to provide individuals, so they are successful? What are the positive outcomes when employing people with a disability? How are we writing the job descriptions and recruiting to ensure we have a diverse candidate pool?”

PHP Member, Ackeem Duggan, shared his personal employment journey. We learn about his challenges and ultimate rewards of financial gain, stability, independence, professional, and personal growth, community inclusion and belonging, making new friends, and experiencing improved mental health and personal well-being.

The program emphasizes that successful employment outcomes are rooted in advocacy. This episode is a testament to effective care management and coordination to assist individuals with disabilities live their best lives. Care Managers, who are fierce advocates for the individuals they support, ensure the necessary supports and services are in place. Does an individual have a job coach who can help them make meaningful connections and provide training and onboarding support?

Ackeem describes how those pieces and previous successes were in place for him. Today, he is happy and successful working for the NYPD Director of Community Affairs.

 Listen to this episode and let us know what you think! Ep. 10: Inclusion Benefits All – The Case for Employing Neurodiverse Individuals - MediSked, LLC

Partners Health Plan Presents at The Arc National convention

Partners Health Plan Presents at The Arc National Convention

Inclusion Benefits All: An Employment Success Story

Partners Health Plan's Cheif of Member Relations and Advocacy, Karleen M. Haines, along with PHP member Ackeem, were asked to present at the Arc’s National Convention “Inclusion Benefits All: An Employment Success Story.
They shared how Ackeem seeks to continue his successful path to independence and community involvement and how he received support and gained the confidence to seize opportunities or create them where they did not exist. They also looked at the value of hiring an inclusive workforce, the country’s general employment outlook, and how social determinants of health and access to care are crucial in order to grow, work, and live a fulfilling life.

Learning Objectives:

  • The business case for inclusion of employees with IDD and neurodiversity in the workplace
  • How circle of support teams can advocate in the current state of employment for those with disabilities
  • A personal story of employment success and growth, of a talented and determined individual

Partners Health Plan Sponsors Special Olympics NY Health & Wellness Forums

In the News

Special Olympics NY Welcomes Care Design NY As Sponsor of Health & Wellness Forums

Albany, NY – Special Olympics New York is pleased to announce that their Virtual Health & Wellness Forums will now be sponsored by Care Coordination Organization Care Design NY and Partners Health Plan (PHP), the only IDD-specialized health plan in New York.

These Health & Wellness Forums allow the Special Olympics NY community a space to engage with health-focused individuals and organizations, with the goal of bettering access to health care, education, and inclusive activities for people with intellectual disabilities.

“Health and wellness are paramount to the continued competitive success of our athletes,” said Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman. “We know our friends at Care Design NY and Partners Health Plan feel the same, and we are grateful for their support.”

“We are thrilled to begin a partnership with Special Olympics New York which includes sponsoring virtual health and wellness forums geared towards educating and empowering individuals with IDD,” said Kerry Delaney, CEO of Care Design NY and Partners Health Plan. “We share a common bond in developing and advancing inclusive health initiatives where everyone can participate and improve their physical and social-emotional well-being. This partnership is truly a win-win, and we are proud to be part of it.”

The Virtual Health & Wellness Forums began on September 19 with 2023 Special Olympics NY Golisano Health Leadership Award recipient Claire Watson. The next forum will commence on Tuesday, October 17 at 6:30 PM with Downstate Clinical Director Laura Malick, RD. Prospective attendees are invited to register here.

Partners Health Plan To Present at The Arc Leadership Institute

Partners Health Plan (PHP) submitted a proposal to The Arc of the United States to present at the National Conference of Executives (NCE) Summer Leadership Institute (July date TBD) on the “Positive Impact of Telemedicine in the IDD Field.” It was successfully selected from a competitive submission process.

Scott Doolan, RN, BSN, MBA, AVP Health Care Management, will present and provide participants with details related to the PHP telemedicine program and provide a detailed analysis of emergency room and admission avoidance related to the program with the clinical and positive financial implications leading to the justification in maintaining a proactive member/caregiver-initiated telemedicine program post- pandemic to improve the quality of care for the IDD population.

The NCE unites executives, leaders, and professionals from across the disability sector in pursuit of a shared mission. This summer’s conference will focus on the most pressing issues faced by the disability community, including COVID-19 vaccination, HCBS developments, the DSP workforce crisis, the American Rescue Plan, and more.

For more information, please contact Elizabeth Wales, AVP Communications at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHP Expands Dental Services to Members With Mobile Clinics

PHP Expands Dental Services to Members With Mobile Clinics

Partners Health Plan (PHP) has expanded dental services to its members, adults (21 years and older) with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). Through its nonprofit, non-traditional tailored IDD care model, PHP partnered with Solvere Health to bring mobile dental clinics to members, making oral care accessible.

On Saturday, May 6, the Institutes of Applied Human Dynamics (iAHD) hosted the mobile dental clinic at their Bainbridge dayhab location. PHP members were treated by oral health care providers with specific expertise related to individuals with IDD.

Erica Robinson, iAHD Director of Clinical Supports stated,

“It was amazing that we were able to have thirteen individuals receive dental services on Saturday on location at IAHD! The collaboration with Partners Health Plan, Solvere Health, and iAHD is the future of dental services for people supported.”

Specialized Mobile Dental Clinic Brings Care and Smiles to PHP Members

Members-Only Event: Specialized Mobile Dental Clinic Brings Care and Smiles to Partners Health Plan Members

A specialized mobile dental clinic, in partnership with Solvere Health, brought dental care and smiles to Partners Health Plan (PHP) members on February 18. PHP is the first-in-the-nation, non-profit, provider-led managed care organization that fully integrates Medicare and Medicaid for individuals 21 years and older with IDD. We are dedicated to expanding access to quality healthcare to assist members in living quality lives.
  • Group of people in front of mobil dental clinic

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  •  Mobile dental clinic outside of PHP office

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Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) are known to have poorer oral/dental health than people without IDD. Studies show that people with IDD have 30% more untreated cavities, 50% more missing teeth, and 150% more gum disease.

The biggest reason for this health disparity is access to oral health care for children and adults with IDD: lack of preventive and regular care, including management of secondary medical conditions that are related to oral health, leads to more significant oral health problems. Wait times for IDD specialized services can be as long as a year at practices and dental school programs that offer them.

But Partners Health Plan (PHP), a NY-based health plan that is exclusively dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of individuals with IDD, is committed to ensuring the oral health of its members.

“Improving access to dental care for our community of service in New York State is mission-critical,” added Steven Merahn, MD, Medical Director, Partners Health Plan. “Our overarching goal is to improve the quality of life of our members and the relationship between oral health and overall well-being is well established.”
To achieve this goal, PHP has partnered with Solvere Health to deploy specialized IDD mobile dental clinics at select-day service locations in Metro New York to reduce travel demands.

Solvere Health is a company that specializes in the delivery of high-quality clinical services through group health events via mobile medical units or pop-up clinics to underserved populations. Individuals with IDD may struggle with the sights, sounds and experiences encountered during dental care, and the PHP-Solvere Dental Health Program will conduct specialized desensitization sessions to prepare individuals for the dental care experience and mobile clinic environments. The mobile dental units are also fully accessible for individuals with mobility challenges.

“Expanding the availability of quality healthcare services to underserved communities is central to Solvere Health's mission. We view the collaboration with Partner Health Plan as a way to make quality dental care accessible to persons with I/DD,” stated Edward Lorch, CEO, Solvere Health, “Our mobile clinics offer a solution that is empathetic and considerate. We factor in the patient population's comfort (including desensitization), convenience, mobility, and communication. When engineering and staffing the mobile clinic, we understand that taking a holistic view of the patient leads to a positive oral healthcare experience and repeat preventative care.”

“This mobile dental clinic initiative is a very exciting opportunity as it will open access to oral healthcare,” noted Rita Marie Bilello, DDS, CEO, and former Dental Director of Metro Community Health Centers. “This new dental care model will bridge a much-needed gap for Partners Health Plan (PHP) members, all adults with IDD, who have been unable to access routine preventative oral health care services. Mobilizing dental services will begin to address some of the access issues and will allow for PHP to better assist in getting their members the oral care that they need.”

About Partners Health Plan
Partners Health Plan (PHP) is the first-in-the-nation, provider-led managed care organization that fully integrates Medicare and Medicaid for individuals 21 years and older with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), so they have the most complete care package. PHP provides person-centered care for whole-person wellness addressing the physical, behavioral, and social needs of individuals to assist them in living a quality life. The plan operates in 4 New York State regions (nine downstate counties): New York City, Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties), Rockland County, and Westchester County. For more information, visit www.phpcares.org.

About Solvere Health
Working with state and federal, institutional, and corporate partners, Solvere Health brings a business discipline to health challenges across the United States through onsite, mobile, and digital healthcare solutions. Deploying a team of highly motivated, accountable problem solvers, we stand up sustainable, end-to-end programs in rapid response to group health events, disaster relief, and underserved rural communities, via onsite pop-ups, mobile clinics, and strategically placed brick-and-mortar locations. Our efficient approach combines exacting strategic planning, comprehensive compliance management, unparalleled logistics, state-of-the-art mobile healthcare technology, and emerging digital health applications.

Unique Managed Care Model Improves Quality of Life for People with IDD

New Report Determines Partners Health Plan’s FIDA-IDD Demonstration Shows
Positive Impact and Progress for Enrollees with Complex Care Needs

BRONX, NY, July 6, 2022— Partners Health Plan (PHP), a nonprofit managed care organization dedicated to serving individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), is pleased to announce that the results of an independent evaluation funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) indicate positive returns for enrollees in the New York Fully Integrated Duals Advantage for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FIDA-IDD) demonstration.

The FIDA-IDD demonstration is a pilot program established to test the success of delivering services that address the whole person and promote community involvement and independence for people with IDD eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid benefits. According to the findings, PHP is well on its way toward meeting those objectives.

“This is an extremely positive report,” said Kerry Delaney, CEO of PHP, “but also acknowledges in a realistic way the challenges we have faced.” Those challenges stemmed from the newness of managed care for providers in the space, lack of plan coverage awareness for covered entities, and providers’ refusal to participate or offer services to the population just to name a few. Despite these challenges, key findings reflect that if implemented correctly, managed care can be a viable option to serve people with IDD.”

Key Findings:

  • Through the comprehensive “It’s All About Me” (I AM) assessment tool, PHP effectively elicited responses from the IDD population about health and wellness needs allowing enrollees to leverage control over benefit options impacting their everyday lives.
  • Innovative solutions like the pharmacy management program reduced errors, unnecessary emergency department visits, and length of hospital stays. Similarly, the telehealth program successfully resolved 90% of consultations virtually. The rewards incentive program “Choose Health” also received positive feedback for motivating members to achieve preventive health goals.
  • While the new rate payment method has been a challenge to cover certain member populations, like older and frailer members, programs like pharmacy management are viewed as innovative cost-savings strategies.
  • Regularly engaging stakeholders from the Participant Advisory Committee helped to address real-time needs, like improvements to transportation services and communications efforts.

One of the best measures of the impact Partners Health Plan has had on member health and experiences comes from the members themselves. PHP FIDA-IDD plan member, Jessica, stated, “Recently I needed special comprehension therapy for my legs and was able to get something to help me at home. This keeps me healthy and helps my ability to walk. I want to keep my independence. I also have support from my Care Manager and my Broker with my self-direction!”

As the agency responsible for the IDD program in New York State, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) was integral in the demonstration’s design and implementation. “OPWDD has been pleased to collaborate with Partners Health Plan on the FIDA-IDD program, which has offered people an opportunity to coordinate their health and long-term care services in a new and innovative way,” said OPWDD Commissioner Kerri Neifeld. “We look forward to continuing to work with Partners Health Plan and the larger provider community to ensure quality supports and services are available to NYers with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
Read the full report here: https://innovation.cms.gov/data-and-reports/2022/fai-ny-fida-idd-prelim-firstsecondevalrpt.


About Partners Health Plan: Partners Health Plan (PHP) is the first-in-the-nation, provider-led managed care organization that fully integrates Medicare and Medicaid for individuals 21 years and older with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (I/DD), so they have the most complete care package. PHP provides person-centered care for whole-person wellness addressing the physical, behavioral, and social needs of individuals to assist them in living a quality life. The plan operates in 4 New York State regions (nine downstate counties): New York City, Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk counties), Rockland County, and Westchester County. For more information, visit www.phpcares.org.

About CMS Financial Alignment Initiative: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) created the Medicare-Medicaid Financial Alignment Initiatives (FAI) Demonstrations to test in partnership with States integrated care models for dually eligible beneficiaries with the goal to improve care for dually eligible beneficiaries and reduce program costs through an aligned financial and person-centered care coordination structure. A longstanding barrier to coordinating care for Medicare-Medicaid enrollees has been the financial misalignment between Medicare and Medicaid. For more information, visit Financial Alignment Initiative (FAI) | CMS.