Monday, March 3, 2014
Staff report
YOUNGSTOWN
Humility of Mary Health Partners has contracted with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to be its preferred health care provider for Anthem insurance plans that are part of the new federal Health Insurance Marketplace [exchange] for northern Ohio.
Created as part of the Affordable Care Act, the Health Insurance Marketplace is where individuals and small groups can purchase federally qualified health care plans.
All HMHP facilities are participating, including St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown, St. Joseph Health Center in Warren, St. Elizabeth Boardman Health Center and HM Physicians.
“This partnership helps fulfill our mission to serve our community with high quality, affordable care,” said Robert Shroder, president and chief executive officer of HMHP.
“Working together, we believe we can help patients stay healthier. With a focus on prevention and managing chronic conditions, we hope to improve the quality of care — and quality of life—for Anthem members in our neighborhoods,” Shroder said.
Anthem began offering a variety of product options on the Ohio Health Insurance Marketplace for both individuals and small employers Jan 1.
Members choosing products through the exchange will have in-network benefits only by accessing preferred providers such as HM, those who collaborate with Anthem to help provide affordable, quality care, said John Cooper, vice president of Individual and Small Group Sales for Anthem.
“Humility of Mary is uniquely positioned in this region, a willing partner with a proven track record of delivering high-quality, patient-centric care to Youngstown-area patients and their families,” Cooper said.
“We are pleased to align with them in our efforts to provide consumers with affordable health benefits solutions through the Marketplace,” he said.
Consumers can find information at the Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield educational website, www.MakingHealthCareReformWork.com, which provides a comprehensive guide to the law with detailed information on benefits, financial assistance, the enrollment process and other topics, Cooper said.