Des Moines, Iowa — AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa, a Medicaid managed care health plan that serves Iowa Medicaid beneficiaries as part of the state’s new IA Health Link program, and Medical Associates Clinic announced today that they have signed an agreement that will allow AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa members to continue using Medical Associates’ health care providers and clinics in Dubuque and surrounding communities in Northeastern Iowa, Northwestern Illinois and Southwestern Wisconsin.
Medical Associates Clinic, with more than 170 health care providers and 1,000 other health care professionals, is the Dubuque area’s largest multispecialty group practice. Founded in 1924, it offers primary and specialty care services at three locations in Dubuque as well as at clinics in Bellevue, Cascade, Dyersville, Elkader and Monona, Iowa; Cuba City and Platteville, Wisc.; and Elizabeth and Galena, Ill. Medical Associates has been recognized since 1998 as a “Better Performing Practice” by the Medical Group Management Association.
“We are pleased that our members will have access to Medical Associates Clinics’ nationally acclaimed health care services,” said Cheryl Harding, Market President of AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa. “Our network 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. Many of our members live in the Dubuque area and are under the care of Medical Associates Clinics’ providers. They are a natural partner for us.”
“Medical Associates has been providing outstanding health care for more than 90 years,” said John Tallent, CEO of Medical Associates. “We are pleased that, in partnership with AmeriHealth Caritas, we will be able to continue to care for our patients, many of whom we have served for a very long time.”
The new IA Health Link program serves the majority of Iowa’s Medicaid population, or about 560,000 Iowans, through select managed care plans. For more information about the IA Health Link program, visit www.iahealthlink.gov.
About AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa
AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa, part of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies, is one of the Medicaid managed care plans that participate in IA Health Link. AmeriHealth Caritas Iowa will help Iowans get proper care and stay well, working with communities in need to achieve positive health outcomes throughout the state. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritasia.com.
About AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies
AmeriHealth Caritas is part of the Independence Health Group in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. AmeriHealth Caritas is one of the nation’s leaders in health care solutions for those most in need. Operating in 18 states and the District of Columbia, AmeriHealth Caritas serves more than 5.9 million Medicaid, Medicare and CHIP members through its integrated managed care products, pharmaceutical benefit management and specialty pharmacy services, behavioral health services, and other administrative services. Headquartered in Philadelphia, AmeriHealth Caritas is a mission-driven organization with more than 30 years of experience serving low-income and chronically ill populations. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritas.com.
About Medical Associates Clinic
Medical Associates Clinic was established in 1924 and is the oldest multispecialty group practice clinic in Iowa. With over 170 providers serving Dubuque and the Tri-State area, Medical Associates’ mission is to provide superior health care and an excellent patient experience. With a staff of over 1,000 health care professionals and support personnel, Medical Associates has been recognized since 1998 as a “Better Performing Practice” by the Medical Group Management Association. In 1982, Medical Associates developed the Tri-State’s first health maintenance organization, Medical Associates Health Plans, which offers comprehensive health benefits to over 400 employers and nearly 42,000 members and is consistently rated as one of the best health plans in Iowa. The Medical Associates Medicare plan is one of only 13 medical plans Nationwide to receive the highest possible rating of 5 stars from The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). For more information, visit www.mahealthcare.com.
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