Molina, Cityblock team up on SDOH assistance for dual eligibles
Members will be able to receive care from primary care providers, behavioral health providers and community health partners.
Photo: Luis Alvarez/Getty Images
Senior Whole Health by Molina Healthcare has announced a new partnership with Cityblock to enhance care for its members in Massachusetts, providing a team of healthcare professionals that will link Senior Whole Health members to personalized medical, behavioral health and social care support.
The focus will be on dual eligible Molina members, who will be able to receive care from primary care providers, behavioral health providers and community health partners.
Highlighting a holistic approach to senior care, Bill Graham, plan president for Senior Whole Health, said that dual eligible members will have increased health and wellness resources "thanks to a care team dedicated to addressing their needs."
WHAT'S THE IMPACT
Senior Whole Health serves Massachusetts residents dually eligible for both Medicare and MassHealth, the state's Medicaid program.
Cityblock is a valued-based healthcare provider serving Medicaid and lower-income Medicare beneficiaries. The care team supporting members is an extension of other provider relationships, the company said, allowing access to mobile urgent care, in-home care and 24/7 access to virtual care.
Cityblock's integrated care model connects members to a multidisciplinary care team that includes primary care providers, behavioral health specialists, nurse care managers and pharmacy navigators, among others. According to Cityblock's 2024 Equity in Action Report, this method of care has shown meaningful reduction in unnecessary emergency room visits and has increased member engagement and clinical continuity.
The partnership will also address members' health-related social needs by connecting them to community-based organizations for support with obtaining housing, healthy foods and utility reimbursements, according to Molina.
THE LARGER TREND
Last summer Bright Health Group sold its California Medicare Advantage business to Molina Healthcare for an estimated $600 million in the purchase price for shares.
In December Molina amended its purchase agreement, reducing the purchase price for the transaction to approximately $425 million.
ON THE RECORD
"We've seen that the dually eligible population often has a higher prevalence of chronic conditions and unmet social needs that can lead to poor health outcomes," said Dr. Kameron Matthews, Cityblock's chief health officer. "We are honored to partner with Senior Whole Health in Massachusetts to ensure their members have access to the care and support they need and deserve – this is true health equity in action."
Jeff Lagasse is editor of Healthcare Finance News.
Email: jlagasse@himss.org
Healthcare Finance News is a HIMSS Media publication.
