Press Releases
Thursday, April 04, 2019
West Virginia Family Health Elects to Not Renew its West Virginia Medicaid Contract
West Virginia Family Health and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources' Bureau of Medical Services will work together on a smooth and orderly transition
Parkersburg, W.Va. (April 4, 2019) — West Virginia Family Health (WVFH) has announced its intention to not renew its West Virginia Medicaid managed care contract, effective June 30, 2019.
WVFH will be working together with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources' (DHHR) Bureau for Medical Services (BMS) on a smooth transition of its approximately 60,000 members to other West Virginia Medicaid Managed Care Organizations, and to complete the terms of the current contract.
WVFH entered the West Virginia Medicaid market five years ago with the goal of delivering high-quality, cost-effective services to eligible managed care Medicaid members in the state. After four contract renewals, and significant analysis, WVFH has decided to exit the West Virginia Medicaid market.
"We have had an extremely collaborative relationship with the State in serving the West Virginia Medicaid community during this time," said Chad Piper, president, West Virginia Family Health. "We are committed to assuring that all of our members, providers and interested parties experience no disruption in service or support, and appreciate the opportunity to work together with DHHR and BMS so that the transition is as smooth, orderly and effective as possible."
"DHHR appreciates West Virginia Family Health for the services provided to the State of West Virginia," said Bill J. Crouch, Cabinet Secretary of DHHR. "Our Bureau for Medical Services, led by Commissioner Cindy Beane, is committed to ensuring a seamless transition for the approximately 60,000 West Virginia Medicaid members under this plan and stands ready to assist them in selecting another Medicaid managed care company for their health care needs."
West Virginia Medicaid members currently enrolled in WVFH may call 1-800-449-8466 or visit www.mountainhealthtrust.com to enroll in another plan prior to June 30, 2019. WVFH members will be receiving additional information by a letter to be sent next week.
About Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia serves approximately 300,000 members through the company's health care benefits business and hundreds of thousands of additional individuals through the BlueCard® program. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of West Virginia holds the largest share of the commercial market, and more West Virginians carry a Blue Cross Blue Shield card than any other insurance carrier in the state. With offices in in Parkersburg, Charleston and Wheeling, it employs more than 700 people. Highmark West Virginia is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.
About West Virginia Family Health (WVFH)
West Virginia Family Health (WVFH), a Medicaid managed care organization operating in all 55 counties in West Virginia, delivers high-quality, cost-effective services to eligible Medicaid managed care members. Based in Parkersburg, W.Va., the organization’s mission is to provide its members with access to the primary and specialty care they need quickly and professionally in a positive, nurturing setting in their local communities. For more information about WVFH and its services, visit www.wvfh.com.
About DHHR'S Bureau for Medical Services
DHHR's Bureau for Medical Services is committed to administering the Medicaid Program, while maintaining accountability for the use of resources in a way that assures access to appropriate, medically necessary, and quality health care services for all members. For more information, visit dhhr.wv.gov/bms.
For more information, contact:
Cathy McAlister
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia
304-347-7754
cathy.mcalister@highmarkhealth.org
