No Pain, No Gain ;O): Alliance

Health Alliance Medical Plans, a prominent provider-sponsored health insurer in the Midwest, has signed an agreement with McKesson renewing its license for several care management solutions while adding McKesson Analytics Advisor™. McKesson Analytics Advisor is a powerful analytics and reporting tool that helps turn utilization, network, member and claim level data into actionable clinical and financial intelligence to support the organization’s business decisions as well as the clinical decisions of its providers. Together, these solutions create a platform that fully informs care management processes while enabling payers and providers to more easily optimize decision making.

Established in 1980 and headquartered in Urbana, Illinois, Health Alliance administers health plans for more than 320,000 members primarily in Illinois and Iowa. In Illinois, it is the top-ranked health plan for its commercial and Medicare plans, based on National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) rankings.

“Health Alliance has worked closely with McKesson for twelve years. The company has been a consistent, collaborative partner,” explained Health Alliance chief medical officer Robert Parker. “As a provider-sponsored organization, we have always understood the importance of getting accurate and current information to our affiliated medical professionals in time to inform sound decisions. McKesson’s solutions have been a fundamental part of our success in that role.”

Health Alliance chose McKesson Analytics Advisor because of its existing partnership with McKesson, as well as the solution’s many provider-friendly attributes. For example, McKesson Analytics Advisor supplies automated communication tools that help providers reach out to their patients to proactively close gaps in care, as well as an easy-to-use interface that gives providers better visibility into quality, efficiency and pay-for-performance metrics. In addition, the clinical and financial intelligence solution has become well known for its ability to reduce pharmacy spend by identifying appropriate alternatives to patients’ current drug regimens.

“Because McKesson Analytics Advisor was designed by providers and proven in the provider setting, it establishes the strong, credible information foundation upon which payers and providers can build their performance improvement initiatives. Working together, payers and providers can more effectively balance healthcare quality and efficiency, which has been a guiding principle for Health Alliance since it was founded,” said James Evans, vice president, Payment Management, McKesson Health Solutions.

Also as part of the agreement, Health Alliance renewed its license for Coordinated Care Management System™ (CCMS™), workflow technology that integrates utilization, case and disease management into a seamless process that helps payers decide where to focus resources, better coordinate care through automation and effective communication, integrate data at key points in the workflow, and base interventions on evidence-based standards of care. The insurer also renewed its license for Clear Coverage™, utilization management software that brings intelligent, automated decision support to the point of care.

About Health Alliance Medical Plans

Health Alliance Medical Plans is a leading provider-sponsored health insurer in the Midwest, administering healthcare coverage for more than 320,000 lives. Health Alliance Commercial HMO/POS ranked #1 in Illinois and Iowa in NCQA’s Health Insurance Plan Rankings.* Nationally, Health Alliance ranked the 39th best HMO/POS for 2011-2012.** Additionally, in recognition of its exceptional commitment to quality, Health Alliance holds an Excellent accreditation from NCQA for its commercial HMO, PPO and POS plans as well as its Medicare HMO and PPO plans.

About McKesson

McKesson Corporation, currently ranked 15th on the FORTUNE 500, is a healthcare services and information technology company dedicated to making the business of healthcare run better. We partner with payers, hospitals, physician offices, pharmacies, pharmaceutical companies and others across the spectrum of care to build healthier organizations that deliver better care to patients in every setting. McKesson helps its customers improve their financial, operational, and clinical performance with solutions that include pharmaceutical and medical-surgical supply management, healthcare information technology, and business and clinical services. For more information, visit http://www.mckesson.com.

*Nationally ranked 39/390 in private health plans and 27/336 for Commercial HMO plans.

**NCQA’s Health Insurance Plan Rankings 2011-12—Private.

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Monday, March 12, 2012

Continua Health Alliance Announces Certification of First Mobile Solution Suitable for Apple Mobile Devices and Wide ...

BEAVERTON, Ore., March 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Continua Health Alliance, the international industry organization dedicated to advancing personal connected health by promoting end-to-end, plug-and-play connectivity of personal health devices and establishing industry standards for interoperability, today announced two new certifications for mobile health technologies. Vignet, Inc., a Continua member company, was certified by Continua for its iPhone Mobile Manager, the first solution for Apple mobile devices that meets Continua standards for interoperability. It is also the first solution to incorporate Continua's WAN (wide area network) guidelines for mobile applications. Vignet demonstrated its Continua-certified solutions last week at Continua's Spring Summit in Austin, TX.

The Vignet iPhone Mobile Manager is a Continua certified software manager that can be easily customized and adapted by various mobile applications and service providers. Implemented using Continua WAN guidelines, the Vignet Mobile Manager enables developers to build custom applications, and connects with other certified personal health devices such as weight scales, blood pressure cuffs or pedometers. It also facilitates integration with various interoperable servers to securely deliver personal connected health data and information.

"We are delighted to recognize Vignet as the first company to have a Continua certified product for Apple iOS mobile devices based on our WAN guidelines. It is another important step in creating an ecosystem of compatible devices and technology to help individuals and their healthcare providers better manage their health and wellness, any time, anywhere," said Chuck Parker, executive director, Continua Health Alliance.

Continua Health Alliance offers a testing and certification program with a recognizable logo that signifies interoperability according to industry standards. Continua certification enables more efficient, standardized development and new market opportunities for interoperable products such as smartphones, dedicated wireless hubs, the Internet and personal health devices that can be used to collect and relay vital health information and education.

"With Continua certification, device manufacturers and solutions providers know that our Mobile Manager is going to link up," added Praduman Jain (PJ), CEO, Vignet. "Now Continua connected health solutions can be rapidly adapted to work on a variety of servers and devices, saving developers significant development time. We are pleased to support the use of mobile phones in providing readily available and convenient personal connected health solutions to improve patient self-management and wellness."

For healthcare delivery, a WAN is a telecommunication network used to transmit collected data securely to medical records storage locations, and between different LANs (local area network) and other types of networks, so that computers or devices in one location can communicate with services or storage in other locations, such as Electronic Health Records (EHRs) or Personal Health Records (PHRs).

About Vignet, Inc.
Vignet is a pioneer in the person-centric mobile healthcare (mHealth) solutions that connect multiple devices belonging to any person with multiple healthcare data sources, networks and caregivers. Vignet's mHealth applications enable a system that is Predictive, Preventive, Personalized, and Participatory. As a contributing member of Continua Health Alliance, Vignet has been a leader of mobile health innovation. Headquartered in Washington, DC, Vignet has an established track record of providing valuable solutions to many parts of the healthcare industry. For more information visit: www.vignetcorp.com.

About Continua Health Alliance
Continua Health Alliance is an international not-for-profit industry organization enabling end-to-end, plug-and-play connectivity of personal health devices and services. These services will empower information-driven health self-management and facilitate the incorporation of health and wellness into the day-to-day lives of consumers. Continua is a pioneer in establishing industry standards and security for connected health technologies such as smartphones, gateways and remote monitoring devices. Its activities include a certification and brand support program, events and collaborations to support technology and clinical innovation, and outreach to employers, payers, governments and care providers. With nearly 250 member companies reaching across the globe, Continua is comprised of technology, medical device and healthcare industry leaders and service providers dedicated to making personal connected health a reality. For more information visit: www.continuaalliance.org.

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Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Health Alliance Plan's New Branding Initiative Reinforces Distinction and Helps Members Find "Peace"

DETROIT, MI--(Marketwire -02/27/12)- Health care reform ushers in an era where consumers will be more engaged in their health care coverage decisions than ever before. An estimated one million Michigan residents will be seeking their own health insurance in 2014. As a result, health insurers must adapt to a dramatically changing marketplace.

Health Alliance Plan (HAP) is launching a new branding initiative in anticipation of the changes health plans will face in providing and marketing their products and services under health care reform.

According to Donna S. Reid, HAP's Vice President, Marketing & Communications Strategy, HAP launched a branding initiative on Sunday, February 26 that plays on HAP's perceived strength as a nonprofit health plan company known for compassion, personalized attention and customer relationships reinforced by innovative Metaphor Study® research.

The initiative kicked off publicly with a bold, new television spot immediately before, during and after the 84th Academy Awards®, broadcast in southeast Michigan on WXYZ-TV7. Advertising on Detroit-area billboards, radio stations, newspapers and websites will follow today.

"We want to reinforce that HAP cares deeply about helping our members achieve a sense of peace and comfort with health insurance decisions best suited for them and their families," said Reid. "It makes sense for HAP, with a reputation for exceptional customer service, to lead with this type of initiative."

The new HAP television spot ends with this narrative: "And we may wonder: Am I doing the best for myself and my family? Am I keeping them safe? Ask us a question. We'll figure things out together. Welcome to Peace. Welcome to HAP."

HAP is the first health plan in Michigan to use innovative market research to pinpoint customers' emotional connection. The advertising campaign was created by The TMV Group with the Metaphor Study® research conducted by D.P. Bostwick & Associates, led by Dave Bostwick, former Director of Consumer Market Research for the Chrysler Corporation. Both companies are based in Birmingham, Mich.

"The objective of Metaphor Study® market research is to gain an in-depth understanding of the underlying idea behind a commercial concept," Bostwick said. "Metaphor Study® market research enables a company like HAP to refine and reinforce the emotional connection with its target audiences. The strength of HAP's existing brand, as the health insurance company best known for its compassion, personalized attention and customer relationships, really stood out loud and clear in the HAP Metaphor Study®."

The Bostwick agency obtained input from more than 300 individuals from southeast Michigan in 12 separate focus groups held in December 2011.

HAP's Reid said, "The Metaphor Study® reinforced the existing strength of the HAP brand, which has us positioned perfectly for the health care reforms to come. Great brands get out in front of others and we already have momentum since HAP is known less as a claims payer and more as a consumer-friendly, caring, compassionate health-solution company that takes a very personalized approach to making the lives of our members easier and more fulfilling."

"This goes beyond simply an advertising campaign," said Reid. "The brand initiative will have many touch points in everything we do, and it will be reinforced throughout 2012 and beyond."

About Health Alliance Plan
Health Alliance Plan (HAP) is a Michigan-based, nonprofit health plan that provides health coverage to more than 648,000 members and companies of all sizes. For more than 50 years, HAP has partnered with leading doctors and hospitals, employers and community organizations to improve the health and well-being of the lives we touch. HAP offers a product portfolio with six distinct product lines: Group Insured Commercial, Individual, Medicare, Medicaid, Self-Funded and Network Leasing. HAP excels in delivering award-winning preventive services, disease management and wellness programs, and personalized customer service. The National Committee for Quality Assurance awarded HAP's commercial HMO and HAP Senior Plus Excellent Accreditation.

HAP employs more than 1,000 southeast, east central and western Michigan residents through its corporate offices in Detroit, Southfield and Flint, and its subsidiaries Midwest Health Plan and ASR Health Benefits.

Documents and/or Photos available for this release:

HAP Brand Launch Press Release

HAP helps at every age and every stage

To view supporting documents and/or photos, go to www.enr-corp.com/pressroom and enter Release ID: 322167

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Tuesday, February 21, 2012

The National Alliance of State Health Cooperatives Applauds Initial Round of Health CO-OP Funding

HELENA, Mont., Feb. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Alliance of State Health Cooperatives (NASHCO) applauded today's U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announcement that $638,677,300 is being invested by the agency in seven health cooperatives serving eight different states. This is the initial round of federal loans to support these innovative cooperatives, which were established in Section 1322 of the Affordable Care Act. Several more funding announcements from HHS are anticipated throughout the year as more state-based cooperatives submit applications.

"Today's announcement marks an important step toward providing access to high quality, affordable health care and wellness benefits to ALL Americans," said John Morrison, President of NASHCO and former Montana Insurance Commissioner. "Tens of millions of Americans remain uninsured and businesses are buckling under the crushing cost of health insurance. CO-Ops represent an innovative, free enterprise solution to the health coverage crisis. Health care CO-OPs, combined with the state-based health care exchanges that will launch in the 2013-2014 timeframe, hold great promise for all Americans."

Functioning similarly to existing co-ops for electricity, agriculture, and credit unions, health care CO-OPs will provide health insurance to individuals and small businesses which currently have a difficult time obtaining or affording quality health care and wellness benefits. A health care CO-OP will be governed and run by its members, who will form a majority of the board of directors. Unlike traditional insurance, however, any profits earned will be used to either lower premiums or to improve benefits.

The formation of health care CO-OPs will help drive cost savings, enhance competition in the newly-created state-based exchanges, and provide choice in markets traditionally dominated by one or few insurance companies.

"Today's loan announcement provides an opportunity for CO-OPs across the United States to create a new form of health insurance that is more accessible, accountable, and consumer-governed," said Dr. Tom Roberts, Chairman of the Montana Health Cooperative in Helena, Montana. "We are very excited about the prospects of providing more choice in the Montana health insurance market by creating an innovative system based on a proven idea. I am confident the CO-OPs receiving funding today will provide a viable and affordable alternative to existing health care plans."

"It is time to place consumers back in the center of the health insurance system. We hope to restore real competition that is truly responsive to consumer and small-business needs for affordability and improved health," said Dave Lyons, Cliff Gold and Steve Ringlee, the founders of Midwest Members Health serving Iowa and Nebraska.

"Physicians are excited about the opportunity to work with CO-OP health plans because they are committed to involving consumers in using the health care system more effectively to improve their health," said Dr. David Carlyle, a family physician from Ames, Iowa who served on the HHS Advisory Committee on CO-OPs.

$3.4 billion has been appropriated for Start-up and Solvency loans for qualifying CO-OPs. Start-Up loans must be repaid within 5 years, while Solvency loans must be repaid within 15. In the initial round of applications, preference was given to applicants that demonstrate plans to operate in states with no other qualified applicants; use an integrated care model; use innovative reimbursement models; are able to accept enrollment applications by October 2013; have private support; and operate statewide over time.

"We are excited to support the health insurance CO-OPs," said Marilyn Tavenner, Acting Administrator of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). "CO-OPs will promote competition in the insurance market and respond well to the health care needs of Americans."

Organizations receiving funding in the initial round of loan disbursements are:

Freelancers CO-OP of Oregon
New Mexico Health Connections
Montana Health Cooperative
Midwest Members Health (Iowa and Nebraska)
Common Ground Healthcare Cooperative (Wisconsin)
Freelancers CO-OP of New Jersey
Freelancers Health Service Corporation (New York)

In addition, NASHCO will hold its second annual conference in Washington, D.C. on March 9th. The conference will bring together representatives from state-based CO-OPs, health care experts, and public health officials. For more information about the conference, please visit www.nashco.coop.

Following the passage of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, The National Alliance of State Health Cooperatives (NASHCO) was organized as a nonprofit corporation to promote the development and success of the health co-op movement. NASHCO is the only association of state-based health cooperatives. It is composed of dedicated teams of volunteers throughout the nation seeking to establish a new way of accessing care using the cooperative governance model.

CONTACT: John Morrison, NASHCO: 406-442-3261, jmmmontana@msn.com
Lewis Lowe, Strategies 360: 706-302-8404, lewisl@strategies360.com

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Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Health Alliance

VOA's health correspondent Linord Moudou talks to Dagfinn Hoybraten, the former Minister of Health of Norway and Chairman of the board of Gavi Alliance, about children's health in poor countries.

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Thursday, January 12, 2012

Continua Health Alliance Releases Free Design Guidelines; Gains Android Support

Thu, Jan 12, 2012, 10:32 AM EST - U.S. Markets close in 5 hrs 28 mins

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