Cascade Health Alliance to manage dental services for members
Contact: Maria Ramirez
Starting July 1, Cascade Health Alliance will begin coordinating dental services for members.
This change will allow Cascade Health Alliance (CHA) to better serve members by integrating dental services in addition to physical and behavioral health. CHA has been managing the health needs of its members since becoming a coordinated care organization (CCO) in 2013. In-sourcing dental care will break down silos and improve coordination of care.
"In keeping with the intent of the CCO model to provide health system transformation, coordination of care, and integration of services, CHA has contracted directly with local dental providers so that our members will have a CCO with a 'one stop shopping' experience," said CHA's President and CEO Tayo Akins. "Since the inception of our CCO in Klamath County, we contracted with outside dental management organizations to provide dental services to our members. They have been true partners over the last three years. However, we have concluded that the previous model created a silo to CHA achieving true integration of services for the members we serve. This is a huge undertaking, but we are doing this in the best interest of our members. As we embark on CCO transformation 2.0, we believe this change will create tremendous value for our members."
"By bringing dental services in-house, we are closing the loop and collaboratively handling our members' care," added Maggie Polson, CHA's Vice-President of Service Operations. "This move will make it easier for members to have all of their health care benefit questions answered by one customer service department."
CHA has contracted with several local dental practices to best serve members, the majority of whom will be able to continue visiting the same dentist.
"We are excited to bring in dental services into our customer service department and we are ready to holistically serve our members," said Leanne Rose, CHA's Director of Customer Service and Claims.
CHA serves more than 17,000 Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) members in Klamath County, operating as one of the state's 16 CCOs. CHA is the first CCO to take this step into dental care management.
Members have been notified of this change, and any questions can be directed to CHA Customer Service at 541.883.2947.
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