CCA is the first health insurer to join the coalition, which is currently working to expand access to fresh fruits and vegetables through a statewide Retail SNAP Incentive Program
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – March 10, 2022 – Commonwealth Care Alliance® (CCA), a national, multi-state healthcare organization with proven expertise in complex care coordination and delivery, today announced it is continuing its efforts to address food insecurity in Rhode Island by officially joining the Nourish Rhode Island coalition.
Led by the Rhode Island Public Health Institute, Nourish Rhode Island is a diverse network of engaged stakeholders working to alleviate hunger across the state. CCA is the first local health insurer to officially join the coalition. Nourish Rhode Island is currently advocating for the creation of a statewide Retail SNAP Incentive Program, an initiative that would provide SNAP beneficiaries with a 50% discount on fresh fruits and vegetables when they pay with their benefits at local grocery stores.
“As a healthcare organization dedicated to serving individuals with significant needs, we understand the vital importance of addressing inequities in social determinants of health like food security,” said Corey McCarty, the Rhode Island general manager for Commonwealth Care Alliance. “We are proud to join the Nourish Rhode Island coalition, and we look forward to working alongside the Rhode Island Public Health Institute and the coalition’s outstanding member organizations across the state’s health and business communities to help alleviate hunger in Rhode Island.”
“We thank CCA for their attention and commitment to this critical issue. We are encouraged to see so many leaders in Rhode Island’s healthcare community step up to advocate for our neighbors in need,” said Dr. Amy Nunn, executive director, Rhode Island Public Health Institute. “Far too many Rhode Islanders, particularly the elderly and individuals with complex needs, struggle with hunger. We need a comprehensive, statewide plan to address this hunger crisis, and we are confident our proposed Retail SNAP Incentive Program is an effective first step.”
Since entering the Rhode Island market last year, CCA has donated more than $80,000 to nonprofit organizations working to combat hunger in vulnerable communities across the state. CCA provided funding to help Rhode Island Public Health Institute launch a new Food on the Move mobile produce market in Central Falls, and also financially supports Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island and the Elisha Project.
About Commonwealth Care Alliance
Commonwealth Care Alliance® (CCA) is a multi-state integrated care system influencing innovative models of complex care nationwide. Mission-based and person-centered, CCA focuses on sustainable and evidence-based healthcare breakthroughs that improve the health and well-being of people with significant needs, and advocates for affordable, high-quality, and cost-effective policies that lead to healthcare equity for individuals who need it most. The CCA care model is consistently recognized as one of the best in the country at finding and engaging traditionally hard-to-reach individuals—since 2016*, consumers have consistently rated CCA One Care as one of the best for overall experience and CMS rated CCA Senior Care Options 5 out of 5 stars for 2022. CCA recently began a multi-year, mission-aligned geographic diversification growth strategy to extend its proven care model throughout the United States, and now serves more than 62,000 individuals and operates health plans in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, California and Michigan. Learn more about CCA at www.commonwealthcarealliance.org/aboutus or follow CCA on Twitter and LinkedIn.
*Based on the 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) surveys.