Five Questions with Courtney Murphy, CCA’s President of Markets
1. Why did Commonwealth Care Alliance® (CCA) acquire a majority stake in Reliance Healthcare?
Reliance was the right fit for CCA for several reasons. In Michigan, as around the country, there is a clear demand for choice in healthcare for individuals with complex needs who have traditionally been offered extremely limited options. In recognition of that demand, we are bringing our care model to Michigan to serve the many thousands of individuals that qualify for our services.
Reliance is aligned with CCA’s mission of improving the health and well-being of people with significant needs and serves nearly 19,000 individuals across seven counties in southeast Michigan. Further, Reliance and CCA are both founded by providers with a long tradition of community engagement. This acquisition will further CCA’s work to improve the nation’s healthcare system for underserved individuals. Within the next few months, Reliance Healthcare will become CCA Health Michigan*.
2. What are some of CCA Health Michigan’s goals for the future?
CCA operates the two most integrated plans available in the market today in Massachusetts, and we bring foundational expertise to Michigan in integrated care. We look forward to working with beneficiaries, providers, Michigan state officials, and stakeholders in determining the best pathway forward to integrate services for those dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid.
CCA is, first and foremost, a reliable resource for our members, who face many obstacles to getting the care they deserve for their complex health needs. At the core of our mission is our comprehensive model of uncommon care®. This unique model delivers better health outcomes through seamless integration, a community focus, and an emphasis on the behavioral and social determinants of health that account for so many critical gaps in care. It is based on our deep, data-powered understanding of what puts people at risk, together with our unmatched ability to find and engage hard-to-reach individuals. We have spent many years building a meaningful record of success in Massachusetts, and we look forward to bringing our proven methods to bear in Michigan.
3. How is CCA Health Michigan different than other Medicare Advantage plans in the state?
CCA specializes in serving those dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, as well as individuals on Medicare who are near the threshold of qualifying for Medicaid. Our focus on this population is a critical component of our work. Someone who is just above the federal poverty level is not technically eligible for Medicaid assistance, but we recognize they are likely to face similar barriers to accessing quality healthcare. We are committed to bridging that gap by delivering our uncommon care to those who need it most. CCA has been fully invested in evolving and validating our model of care for 45 years, driving optimal healthcare outcomes for the members and communities that we serve.
4. How will the Reliance Accountable Care Organization (ACO) and Provider Organization (PO) fit into the CCA Health Michigan organization?
CCA’s majority-stake acquisition of Reliance Healthcare includes the organization’s Accountable Care Organization (ACO) assets and Provider Organization (PO), both of which will be part of the CCA Health organization.
The ACO consists of a group of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers who together provide coordinated, high-quality care to their Medicare patients. CCA Health’s ACO patients will benefit from the extension of our demonstrated care model.
The PO consists of roughly 600 doctors who contract with 12 health plans that provide generous incentives aimed at improving the quality, efficiency, and overall value of healthcare. The CCA Health PO will be integrated into CCA Health’s operating model, serving as an immediate on-the-ground network of providers who share our mission of improving the health and well-being of people with significant needs.
5. As an organization based in Massachusetts, how will CCA make a local impact in Michigan?
CCA is committed to growing the robust local presence cultivated by Reliance. Our mission revolves around supporting the communities we serve by maintaining a strong local workforce and building upon partnerships with area providers, state agencies, and other stakeholders.
Furthermore, we understand that there are many hurdles to accessing high quality care for many people, and we respect the severity of the resulting inequities. This is especially true for individuals with significant behavioral health needs and for those impacted most by social determinants of health. We believe that our person-centered approach to care is critical to closing gaps and improving equity.
Together with our local workforce and partners, we plan to adapt our model of care to meet the needs of Michiganders and help the state improve healthcare for its most vulnerable populations.
*Pending regulatory approval