Des Moines, Iowa — AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa, a Medicaid managed care health plan serving the IA Health Link program, and Mercy Health Network, a health care system with award winning facilities and providers across Iowa, announced today they have signed a new agreement that will maintain A

Des Moines, Iowa — AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa, a Medicaid managed care health plan that

AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa and Genesis Health System Sign Provider Contract to Serve Iowa's Medicaid Population

Des Moines, Iowa – AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa, a Medicaid managed care health plan that will serve Iowa Medicaid beneficiaries as part of the state's new IA Health Link program beginning January 2016, and Genesis Health System, a premier health system serving a 12-county, bi-state region of the Quad cities metropolitan area and the surrounding communities of Iowa and Illinois, announced today that they have signed an agreement that will give AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa's members access to one of the nation's top 100 health systems.

As one of the region's largest and most comprehensive health networks, Genesis Health System has more than 100 locations, including six hospitals, three convenient care locations, 32 Genesis Health Group sites, 15 physical rehabilitation clinics, and multiple outpatient service centers. Genesis Health System and its affiliates provide compassionate, quality health services to all those in need through a full continuum of care including home health and nursing home care, hospice, rehabilitation, long-term care and the Genesis Cancer Care Institute.

"We are excited that Genesis Health System has joined our provider network," said AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa Market President Cheryl Harding. "For more than 30 years, our family of companies has specialized in helping individuals who are most in need to access quality health care and services. We know that Genesis shares our commitment to removing barriers to care and services and to creating an even healthier Iowa. Our providers are the backbone of our programs, and as our partners, they are a critical component to our ability to improve the overall health and wellness of individuals, families and communities in Iowa."

AmeriHealth Caritas has successfully implemented Medicaid managed care plans throughout the country based on an integrated model of care, which includes physical and behavioral health, pharmacy benefit management and specialty pharmacy. AmeriHealth Caritas' unique model of care, along with more than 30 years of experience caring for populations with complex health conditions, affirms AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa as well-prepared to serve the individuals who will participate in the IA Health Link program.

AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa is part of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies, a national leader in Medicaid managed care and other integrated health care solutions for those most in need.

"We are pleased to announce this agreement because of what it means to our patients,'' said Doug Cropper, president and CEO, Genesis Health System. "Our goal was to create minimal disruption in care for our patients who have Medicaid benefits.  AmeriHealth Caritas is a trusted national leader in solutions for some of the most vulnerable patients served by healthcare providers.''

AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa and Optimae Sign Provider Contract

Des Moines, Iowa – AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa, a Medicaid managed care health plan that will serve Iowa Medicaid beneficiaries as part of the state's new IA Health Link program beginning January 2016, and Optimae Life Services , a provider of health and human services for individuals with disabilities and mental illness in 28 Southeastern and Central Iowa counties, announced today that they have signed a contract to care for Optimae's clients who are covered by Medicaid. Through this arrangement, AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa's members in Southern, Central and Eastern Iowa with mental health and/or intellectual challenges will have access to Optimae's community support, home health, mental health and supportive employment services.

"Our providers are our partners, and we are pleased to partner with Optimae to meet the mental, home and behavioral health needs of our members," said Cheryl Harding, market president for AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa. "Optimae's reputation in Southern, Central and Eastern Iowa is well known. Collaborating with organizations like Optimae is a critical piece of our efforts to treat the whole person."

"Many of our customers are covered by Medicaid, and they will be in good hands with AmeriHealth Caritas," said William Dodds, president of Optimae. "AmeriHealth Caritas' expertise in managing Medicaid recipients' physical and mental health needs will benefit our clients and their families."

The new IA Health Link program will serve the majority of Iowa's Medicaid population, or about 600,000 Iowans, through select managed care plans. For more information about the IA Health Link program, visit: http://dhs.iowa.gov/.