OptumHealth’s Deep Understanding of the Senior Health Care Market and Ability to Customize Solutions Were Key Factors in Decision
GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. (August 6, 2008) – OptumHealth announced today that it has been selected to provide transplant and behavioral health services to members of Touchstone Health, a leading New York Medicare Advantage Health Maintenance Organization.
“We selected OptumHealth for these two programs because of its deep understanding of the senior health care market and its ability to customize solutions to best meet the needs of our members,” said Michael A Muchnicki, president and chief executive officer for Touchstone Health. “OptumHealth’s Medicare Transplant Solutions and Behavioral Health Solutions will enhance our ability to deliver high quality, cost effective health care to our members.”
Many Medicare transplant candidates lack support to help them prepare for a transplant and, as a result, can be denied access to transplant centers. Through OptumHealth’s Medicare Transplant Solutions, Touchstone Health members will receive access to specialized case managers who will provide information and coordination support from initial consultation through the post-transplant period. In addition, OptumHealth’s Medicare Transplant Solutions will provide Touchstone Health members access to the country’s top transplant facilities.
Separately, OptumHealth will provide Touchstone Health members access to a comprehensive network of mental health and substance abuse specialists and facilities, telephone support and online information. OptumHealth’s specialized Medicare Care Advocates will work with members to identify risks and needs, help ensure appropriate care is provided and, with the member’s permission, coordinate care with his/her doctor. Intensive care advocacy will be provided to members in crisis to help them get the support needed to assure recovery.
“By working collaboratively with state and federal programs, health plans, and local community providers, OptumHealth promotes wellness, improves health outcomes, and fosters support and recovery for more than three million public sector members,” said Dawn Owens, chief executive officer of OptumHealth. “We are pleased to now offer these services to the members of Touchstone Health and are excited about their growth prospects in the New York market.”
Medicare Transplant Solutions will start September 1, 2008 and Behavioral Health Solutions on November 1, 2008.
Nationwide, OptumHealth provides customers and their members with solutions addressing:
- Behavioral health conditions
- Complex medical conditions
- Wellness goals
- Care and case management
- Disease management
- Physical medicine
- Integrated care in Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNPs)
- Care for dual eligibles
About OptumHealth
As one of the nation’s largest consumer health services companies, OptumHealth makes health care easier and better for employers, health plans, public sector entities and the 61 million people with access to its services. The Company’s goal is to optimize health, well-being and financial security, while lowering benefit costs and helping consumers make informed decisions about their health through standalone or integrated services. OptumHealth is a company of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH). More information about OptumHealth can be found at www.optumhealth.com.
About Touchstone Health
Touchstone Health, headquartered in New York City, is an HMO focused on the Medicare market. Touchstone Health currently has Medicare beneficiaries in the Bronx, Kings, Queens, Richmond, Orange, Westchester, Broome, Chenango, Delaware and Onondaga counties. Benefits are available to anyone enrolled in both Medicare Part A and B and continue to pay their Medicare applicable premiums. Touchstone Health is a privately held company owned and advised by, among other investors, Lehman Brothers Venture Capital, Essex Woodlands Health Ventures and Steven Wiggins. The company was originally formed to manage the medical services of enrollees of other HMOs operating in the federal Medicare program. During 2007, the company received an HMO license and no longer contracts with other HMOs. Touchstone prides itself on its local focus and customer service.
For more information about Touchstone Health, please visit the company’s website at www.touchstone-health.com.
For more information, contact:
Brad Lotterman
Manager, External Communications
(714) 445-0453
brad.lotterman@optumhealth.com
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