Charleston, W.Va.: The West Virginia Association of Health Plans (WVAHP) announced the winners of its fourth annual iCare Awards on December 5th at a ceremony held at the University of Charleston. WVAHP is a trade association made up of the managed care organizations (MCOs) that service West Virginia’s Medicaid program. The iCare Awards are given to front line employees of WVAHP member-MCOs who have demonstrated exemplary care and service to West Virginia Medicaid members in helping them achieve positive outcomes in their healthcare delivery.
“Managed care delivers quality healthcare services to over half a million Medicaid members in West Virginia. Their coordination of care approach gives members an opportunity for the best possible health outcome,” said Ben Beakes, executive director of WVAHP. “Many do not realize the healthcare professionals working within the MCOs are registered nurses, social workers, case managers and peer support specialists. As you read their stories, it’s easy to see how dedicated they are in finding solutions to member needs. The WVAHP is proud to recognize this year’s winners of the iCARE awards.”
The 2022 iCare Awards recognized the winners for one or more of the following characteristics: innovation, care management, and/or community engagement.
iCare 2022 Grand Prize Winner Ashley Moore, Aetna Better Health of WV – “Consistent Advocate”
After spending years in foster care, losing contact with siblings, dealing with depression, JS finally found his forever family. Moore was a consistent advocate for JS - he is thriving and enjoying life for the first time.
iCARE 2022 Grand Prize Winner Todd Ullom, The Health Plan – “Bear Man”
Great Grandfather, better known as the Bear Man, adopted his grandson to ensure his safety and well-being. The child is doing great, and the Bear Man is grateful for Ullom’s help during such a difficult time.
iCARE 2022 Runner-Up Kimberly Messer, Aetna Better Health of WV – “Great Weight Removed”
CK was born premature with severe disabilities and was eventually adopted by her aunt. Messer made sure that the aunt had everything she needed to provide for CK including money for auto repairs so she could go to work.
iCARE 2022 Runner-Up Misty Lane, UniCare Health Plan of WV – “Improved Hearing”
Lane reached out to Cochlear of Americas and was able to get her member a new implant device for free. Now she has static free hearing and can her baby with ease.
iCARE 2022 Runner-Up Susan Miller, The Health Plan – “Catch 22”
After many failed attempts trying to transport the member to the hospital for an MRI, Miller was able to secure transportation through The Health Plan.
iCARE 2022 Honorable Mention Alexandra Martin, Aetna Better Health of WV, “Emergency Housing”
Andrew and his mother had been evicted from different housing complexes because of Andrew’s Disruptive Mood Dysregulation and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Martin contacted ACM and CASA which provided financial assistance and a rental for Andrew and his mother.
iCARE 2022 Honorable Mention Karen Halloran, UniCare Health Plan of WV – “Courier Solution”
Halloran worked with the pharmacists and hospital to cover the cost of a courier to take a 30-day supply of syringes to her member that was desperate to receive his medication.
iCARE 2022 Honorable Mention Patricia Clegg, The Health Plan – “Community Resources”
Clegg was given an opportunity to participate in various training programs where she learned about community resources that are available to serve the needs of her members.
__________________________________________________________________________________
About WVAHP:The WVAHP is a trade association comprised of West Virginia’s Managed Care Organizations, including Aetna Better Health of West Virginia, The Health Plan, and Unicare Health Plan of West Virginia. The WVAHP was formed in 2016 with the goal to provide assistance to the state of West Virginia in its transition to managed care Medicaid delivery, reduce costs of administering West Virginia’s Medicaid system and improve the health of West Virginia’s Medicaid recipients.