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Assistant Director of DEIB Speaks at DEI Summit

PHP's Assistant Director of DEIB Speaks at DEI Summit

Photo of Nicole Smart, Assistant Director of DEIB

Partners Health Plan prioritizes a culture of respect and inclusion for its employees, members, families, and stakeholders. To support this commitment, the organization has established a department dedicated to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB).

Nicole Smart, the Assistant Director of DEIB at Partners Health Plan, was honored to speak at the University Athletic Association (UAA) DEI Summit in New York City. Her presentation titled "Authenticity in Action and Owning Yourself" encouraged participants to engage in a roundtable discussion focused on cultivating authenticity, fostering inclusivity, and promoting psychological safety. The session explored practical tools such as understanding personal values, identifying strengths and areas for growth in authenticity, and implementing techniques to facilitate open and honest communication.

For more information, visit: bit.ly/3OWqrqp

DEI News

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UPDATE: ARPA Workforce Stabilization Payment Initiative

June 1, 2023

Dear Provider: 

Partners Health Plan (PHP) wants to provide you with an update regarding the ARPA Workforce Stabilization Payment Initiative. 
 
OPWDD received federal approval for the second installment of PHP pass-through ARPA payments. OPWDD is working to effectuate this payment by June 30, 2023. PHP will disburse the funds immediately upon receipt from OPWDD. 
 
Therefore, if PHP receives the pass-through proceeds on or about June 30, 2023, disbursements will be received by providers in early July. Consistent with the first ARPA Workforce Stabilization distribution in November 2022, the payments will be made in the form of a check. This installment will include funds associated with the following: 
  • Retention Payment (including any payments for those now attesting) Vaccination Incentive (corrected surveys) 
  • Longevity Payment (for those who were missing from the initial November installment as well as those now attesting) 
  • COVID-19 Service (corrected surveys) 
 
Once we have definitive timing, we will publish a communication with an update. 
 
If you have any questions, please contact Provider Relations by opening a ticket here. 
 
Sincerely, 
Partners Health Plan 
Network Development and Provider Relations

 

Provider News

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RISE Special Needs Plan Leadership Summit

RISE Special Needs Plan Leadership Summit

Why Individuals with IDD Should Be Considered a "Health Disparities" Population

Partners Health Plan CEO Kerry Delaney and Medical Director Steven Merahn, MD, showcased their leadership and expertise at the 12th Annual Special Needs Plan (SNP) Leadership Summit. The summit (May 24-26), organized by RISE, brings together influential figures in the health plan industry to share insights on enhancing patient outcomes.

Delaney and Dr. Merahn had the privilege of opening the summit and delivering a presentation titled "Intellectual and Developmental Disability: A Health Disparities Population." The presentation demonstrated how Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) should be classified by federal and state governments as a “health disparities population.”

More than three decades after the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), disabled Americans still face barriers to health care, lower quality of care, and disparate health outcomes. The IDD population faces challenges regarding access to health care for their urgent and long-term needs. Further, they struggle with inequitable access to transportation, education, housing, employment and other non-medical determinants of health. Existing health, economic and social policies worsen these disparities.

Throughout their presentation, Delaney and Dr. Merahn examined individuals with IDD to address the distinct patterns of conditions, functional limitations, and risk factors that impact their health quality. Recognizing that traditional SNP operations and care models may not sufficiently support goal achievement for individuals with IDD, they explored IDD through the lens of health disparities. This approach allows for the development of a person-centered care model that accounts for functional, home, and community supports.

The presentation also provided valuable insights into the challenges and best practices for caring for individuals with IDD, with the goal of generating value not only for members, but for family/caregivers, provider networks, and the plan itself.

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Provider News, PHP In The News, Member News

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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.”

Provider Update, Provider News, Advocacy, PHP In The News, Press Releases, Member News

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Self-Care Tips for Your Mental Health

Self-Care is a Conscious, Mindful Effort To Take Time to Take Care of Yourself - It's Not Selfish, it's Necessary!

Before you can "effectively" take care of others, you must first take care of yourself!

What Does Self-Care Mean to YOU?

Self-care means something different to everyone. What may be self-care for one, may be stressful for another.

  • Healthy Diet
  • Hydration 
  • Reading a book
  • Listening to music
  • Watching a movie
  • Exercise
  • Enjoy Nature- Hike, etc. 
  • Gardening
  • Fishing
  • Church or other Spiritual activities
  • Time with family
  • Time with a pet
  • Cooking/baking
  • Traveling
  • Spa day
  • Enjoy a hobby

People are like flowers. Without consistent nurturing and tending, they will wilt. With consistent nurturing and tending, they will thrive. 

Only you know what you need, to thrive. 

-Melissa Ackernecht, MS, Behavioral Support Specialist

Self-Care Tips

Have a nourishing routine: create a life around yourself that benefits your mental health and the areas of your life that need support. Make little changes first!

  • Schedule time for self-care.

  • Know the Wellness Dimensions and what they mean to and for you.

  • Self-care means taking time to do things you enjoy. Usually, self-care involves everyday activities that you find relaxing, fun, or energizing. These activities could be as simple as reading a book, or as big as taking a vacation.  

  • Make self-care a priority. There will always be other things to do, but don’t let these interrupt the time you set aside for self-care. Self-care should be given the same importance as other responsibilities.  

  • Set boundaries to protect your self-care. You don’t need a major obligation to say “no” to others- you self-care is reason enough. Remind yourself that your needs are important as anyone else’s.  

  • A few minutes of self-care is better than no self-care. Set an alarm reminding you to take regular breaks, even if it’s just a walk around the block, or an uninterrupted snack. Oftentimes, stepping away will energize you to work more efficiently when you return.  

  • Keep up with self-care, even when you’re feeling good. Doing so will keep you in a healthy routine. Plus, self-care might be part of the reason why you’re feeling good.  

Mental Health Resources

Advocacy, Member News

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