60-Day Extension Sought For Current Contracts

(WASHINGTON, DC) – The Department of Health Care Finance today announced that the Office of Contracting and Procurement (OCP) will submit packages this week to the Council of the District of Columbia with a notice of intent to award the District’s three managed care contracts to AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies, Medstar Family Choice and Thrive Health Plan, Inc. Upon approval, the contracts will take effect July 1, 2013 and will include one base year and four option years.

“We began this process with the goal of revamping our managed care program in the shadows of national health care reform recognizing the many challenges and opportunities posed by the new law.” said DHCF Director Wayne Turnage. “Our primary objective was to populate our managed care program with health plans committed to managing the cost effective delivery of care to Medicaid and Alliance beneficiaries with the overarching of goal of improving patient outcomes. We are very pleased with the outcome of this important procurement and look forward to a collaborative partnership with these health plans.”

AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies (AMFC), is a national leader in Medicaid managed care and other health care solutions for the underserved.  AMFC operates in 14 states and serves more than 4.7 million Medicaid, Medicare, and CHIP members through its Medicaid managed care products, pharmaceutical benefit management services, behavioral health services and other administrative services.

Medstar Family Choice is a Maryland-based plan that has been ranked number 17 in the nation among Medicaid HMOs by the National Committee for Quality Assurance.  

Thrive Health Plan, Inc. is a new entrant into the District’s managed care program. Its senior management team has significant experience in and knowledge of the Washington, DC health care delivery system. The Thrive Health Plan cites its strength as a “hands-on approach to coordinating care” and is committed to improving the health outcomes of District residents.

To allow time for a proper transition of the new health plans, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has requested that DHCF pursue an extension of the contracts for the current health plans.  Accordingly, DHCF will submit a request for a 60-day extension to Council for the period of May 1, 2013 to June 30, 2013 and the new five-year contract will begin July 1, 2013.

For more information on the Department of Health Care Finance, please visit www.dhcf.dc.gov.