CareSource Plans for Healthcare Reform

DAYTON, OH, August 25, 2010 (Press-News.org) CareSource, a non-profit, public-sector managed care company, recently hosted David M. Cutler, PhD, an Otto Eckstein Professor of Applied Economics at Harvard University, during the annual strategic planning kick off. Cutler served as the senior health care advisor to the presidential campaign of President Barack Obama and is deeply rooted in health care reform.

"It was an honor to have someone so respected on the subject of health care reform address our senior leaders and the Board of Directors," said Pamela B. Morris, President and CEO, CareSource. "As CareSource begins the strategic planning process, that will lead us through 2014 in preparation for nationwide health care reform, we wanted to ground our team in the opportunities that lie ahead for our organization. We intend to be at the forefront of reform, and this is a very exciting time for CareSource."

Cutler addressed the critical need for a focus on value in health care reform. He cited examples of other industries and how productivity has increased dramatically in the U.S., yet health care has lagged behind. He discussed how productivity and outcomes could be improved by organizing around the patient care experience.

He also expressed the need to improve productivity to be ready for the new group of people who will be eligible for health care as a result of reform. Cutler discussed how the use of information and technology can dramatically improve outcomes in the health care space.

"As we think about health care reform and what it means for CareSource, it was a huge win for us to have such a distinguished speaker at our event," Morris said.

The strategic planning event also featured Thomas Dehner, JD, a former Medicaid Director from Massachusetts. He spoke about his experience implementing health care reform and insurance exchanges in Massachusetts. Attendees also participated in "A Walk in My Shoes--A Poverty Simulation", which demonstrated the daily struggles of the underserved population.

For more information, visit www.caresource.com.

About CareSource
CareSource is a non-profit health plan founded on the principles of quality and service, delivered with compassion and a thorough understanding of the Medicaid consumer. By staying true to its mission of making a difference in the lives of underserved people by improving their health care, CareSource has become one of the largest and fastest growing Medicaid managed care plans in the nation. Today, CareSource serves more than 843,000 Medicaid and Medicare Advantage consumers in Ohio and Michigan.

With a strong focus on preventive care, CareSource utilizes a continuum of care model to members at all stages of health and illness. In addition to all required services, CareSource offers extra benefits such as a 24-hour nurse advice line, transportation to doctor's appointments, and a variety of care management programs. For more information about CareSource, visit www.caresource.com or www.ourhealthcaresource.com.