AmeriHealth Caritas CEO and MHPA Chairman Michael

PHILADELPHIA, PA., Oct. 17, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Michael A. Rashid, president and chief executive officer of AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies and chairman of Medicaid Health Plans of America's (MHPA's) board of directors, will lead other AmeriHealth Caritas executives in addressing hundreds of Medicaid and health care industry leaders at MHPA's annual conference October 21 and 22 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Md.

MHPA is the leading national organization solely dedicated to representing health plans participating in Medicaid managed care. It provides advocacy, research and organized forums that support the development of policies that enhance the delivery of quality health care.

"AmeriHealth Caritas' innovative programs and expertise in the communities it serves has helped millions of Americans obtain quality health care that was previously inaccessible," said Joe Moser, interim executive director of MHPA. "We greatly value our relationship with AmeriHealth Caritas and the insights its executives bring to this event every year."

Rashid, who was named chairman in May 2012, will kick off the conference on Monday, October 21, at 8:00 a.m. with a look at how Medicaid managed care has grown during his two-year tenure as chairman, and the current opportunities for the industry.

A national leader in Medicaid managed care, Rashid has been a senior executive with AmeriHealth Caritas since 1995, becoming president and CEO in January 2010. During this time, AmeriHealth Caritas has grown from 300,000 members in two states to more than 4.8 million members in 15 states and the District of Columbia. During his four decades in health care, Rashid has also led federally qualified health centers, health plans and other organizations dedicated to making quality health care accessible for all.

"This is a transformational time for our industry. An increasing number of states have found that Medicaid managed care is the solution. In fact, it is now the dominant delivery model in Medicaid," said Rashid. "This is a watershed moment for health care in the United States, and we have the privilege of playing a pivotal role in it."

One of AmeriHealth Caritas' greatest strengths is its emphasis on integrating care, particularly between mental health and physical health, as well as between doctors and pharmacists. Andrea Gelzer, M.D., M.S., F.A.C.P., senior vice president and corporate chief medical officer for AmeriHealth Caritas; Michael Golinkoff, Ph.D., M.B.A., president of PerformCare; and Mesfin Tegenu, president of PerformRx, will detail the clinical benefits and cost value of this integration on Tuesday, October 22, at 10:30 a.m.

PerformCare and PerformRx are part of the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies. PerformCare is a national full-service managed behavioral health organization serving both government and private health care programs. PerformRx, a national pharmaceutical benefits manager, is one of the nation's integrated technology leaders, providing an innovative approach to results-focused pharmacy benefit management programs.

"An integrative approach that coordinates all aspects of a patient's care — their physical health, mental health, oral health and medication adherence — improves health outcomes and reduces costs," said Gelzer. "Our award-winning drug therapy management program and our use of the Four-Quadrant physical health/behavioral health integration model are just two examples of what we do at AmeriHealth Caritas to deliver the most coordinated, cost-effective care to our members."

In addition, Eileen Coggins, senior vice president, Compliance and Enterprise Risk Management for AmeriHealth Caritas, will moderate a panel discussion titled "Building and Operating an Enterprise Fraud, Waste and Abuse Program: a Partnership with States" at 10:45 a.m. on October 21. In her role at AmeriHealth Caritas, Coggins oversees compliance, regulatory affairs, payment integrity, internal audit and risk management functions across the enterprise. Dino Kasdagly, vice president, Program Integrity for AmeriHealth Caritas, will also participate in the panel.

"The best way for Medicaid plans to fight fraud, waste and abuse is through a team effort that includes all parts of their enterprise and their state partners," said Coggins. "At AmeriHealth Caritas, we greatly value the trust states place in us, and we are committed to rewarding that trust by ensuring taxpayer dollars are used for their designated purpose — helping those most in need obtain quality care."

About AmeriHealth Caritas

AmeriHealth Caritas is one of the nation's leaders in health care solutions for those most in need. AmeriHealth Caritas operates in 15 states and the District of Columbia, and serves more than 4.8 million Medicaid, Medicare and CHIP members through its integrated managed care products, pharmaceutical benefit management services, behavioral health services and other administrative services. Headquartered in Philadelphia, AmeriHealth Caritas is a mission-driven company with 30 years of experience serving low-income and chronically ill populations. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritas.com .

Michelle Davidson Tel: 215-863-6364