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AmeriHealth Caritas Pennsylvania Recognized for Multicultural Health Care Excellence
[October 05, 2017]

AmeriHealth Caritas Pennsylvania Recognized for Multicultural Health Care Excellence


AmeriHealth Caritas Pennsylvania, a Medical Assistance (Medicaid) managed care plan serving central and northwestern Pennsylvania and part of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies, announced that it has earned Multicultural Health Care Distinction from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for the fourth time.

AmeriHealth Caritas Pennsylvania is one of seven AmeriHealth Caritas Medicaid managed care health plans to hold Multicultural Health Care Distinction, which is valid for two years. The health plan offers the following services, among others, to serve the diverse needs of its membership:

  • Online cultural competency training for network providers.
  • Targeted outreach to Spanish-speaking members for participation in the health plan's Health Education Advisory Committee (HEAC).
  • On-site interpreters to assist members in the community.
  • Communications to members in their preferred language.

"This distinction underscores the considerable efforts we are making with health equity, and subsequently, improved health outcomes for those in need," said Marge Angello, market president for AmeriHealth Caritas Pennsylvania. "Our care management teams and community health navigators make it possible for us to deliver culturally appropriate care that meets the unique needs of our membership, and we are proud to be recognized for the amazing work we are doing."

An award-winning health plan, AmeriHealth Caritas Pennsylvania was recognized by NCQA as an early adopter of its Multicultural Health Care Distinction in 2010. The following year, it became one of the first seven health plans in the United States to formally receive the distinction, awarded for the delivery of culturally appropriate care and quality improvement interventions in serving diverse populations. The distinction has since been renewed three times, which means AmeriHealth Caritas Pennsylvania has received the distinction every year since its inception.



NCQA awards distinction to organizations that meet or exceed its rigorous requirements for multicultural health care. The Multicultural Health Care program evaluates how well an organization complies with standards for the following areas:

  • Collection of race, ethnicity and language data.
  • Provision of language assistance.
  • Cultural responsiveness.
  • Quality improvement of culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
  • Reduction of health care disparities.

"Earning Multicultural Health Care Distinction four consecutive times shows that AmeriHealth Caritas Pennsylvania is making breakthroughs in providing excellent health care to diverse populations. I congratulate any organization that achieves this level of distinction," said NCQA President Margaret E. O'Kane. "Eliminating racial and ethnic disparities in health care is essential to improving the quality of care overall."


NCQA's Multicultural Health Care Distinction Report Card lists health care entities holding Multicultural Health Care Distinction at https://reportcards.ncqa.org/#/other-health-care-organizations/list?program=Multicultural%20Health%20Care.

NCQA is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations. It also recognizes clinicians and practices in key areas of performance. NCQA is committed to providing health care quality information for consumers, purchasers, health care providers and researchers.

About AmeriHealth Caritas Pennsylvania

AmeriHealth Caritas Pennsylvania is a Medical Assistance (Medicaid) managed care health plan serving 26 counties in central and northwestern Pennsylvania. Headquartered in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, AmeriHealth Caritas Pennsylvania is a mission-driven company dedicated to helping members get care, stay well, and build healthy communities. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritaspa.com.

About AmeriHealth Caritas

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 17 states and the District of Columbia, AmeriHealth Caritas serves more than 5.7 million Medicaid, Medicare, and Children's Health Insurance Program (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.


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