Gov. Ricketts Highlights Efforts to Enhance Well being Outcomes for Underserved Communities in Nebraska

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Alex Reuss, 402-471-1970

 

   

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Gov. Ricketts Highlights Efforts to Enhance Well being Outcomes for Underserved Communities in Nebraska

 

 

From left to proper: Mike Hornacek, Dr. Maureen Tierney, Gov. Ricketts,

Ashley Aubry, Jeff Stafford, and Kevin Bagley.

 

LINCOLN – Immediately, Governor Pete Ricketts held a press convention to spotlight initiatives and organizations working to enhance well being outcomes for underserved communities in Nebraska.

 

The Governor was joined by Kevin Bagley, Director of the Division of Medicaid and Lengthy-Time period Care on the Nebraska Division of Well being and Human Companies (DHHS), in addition to Jeff Stafford, Chief Government Officer of UnitedHealthcare Group Plan of Nebraska.  Extra individuals included Dr. Maureen Tierney, Affiliate Dean and Chair of Scientific Analysis & Public Well being for Creighton College; Mike Hornacek, Chief Government Officer of Collectively; and Ashley Aubry, Public Well being Hygienist for Creighton College Faculty of Dentistry Wholesome Smiles Program.

 

Through the press convention, Governor Ricketts mentioned the significance of focusing on Medicaid {dollars} to successfully tackle the well being wants of underserved communities.

 

“We all know there are various components that may impression a person’s well being,” mentioned Governor Ricketts. “On the State, we’re working with our Medicaid well being plans to handle the situations that contribute to well being outcomes.  This consists of supporting work just like the pediatric dentistry achieved by Wholesome Smiles and vitamin packages offered by Collectively.  Thanks to our group companions, together with UnitedHealthcare, for collaborating with us on this endeavor.”  

 

Through the occasion, UnitedHealthcare Group Plan of Nebraska introduced a $5.4 million multi-year funding within the Creighton College Group Collaborative Program.  The funding, accepted in collaboration with the Division of Medicaid and Lengthy-Time period Care, will present funding to community-based organizations in North and South Omaha to handle the social determinants of well being which have the largest impression in these communities.  

 

“We wish to assist strengthen the infrastructure of key community-based organizations,” mentioned Jeff Stafford, CEO of the UnitedHealthcare Group Plan of Nebraska.  “Our mission is to serve the wants of Nebraskans via modern packages and group investments that cut back disparities and enhance entry to high-quality care.”

 

Quite a lot of components can have an effect on a person’s well being, together with the situations during which folks stay and work.  By figuring out and addressing the underlying well being wants in underserved communities, Nebraska Medicaid is ready to contribute to higher well being outcomes.

“The Medicaid program has a chance so as to add large worth for our communities,” mentioned Director Bagley.  “These and related investments by our well being plans assist us determine and tackle the wants of Nebraskans in modern methods.  We’re grateful for companions dedicated to our mission of serving to folks stay higher lives.”

Through the press convention, Governor Ricketts additionally offered an summary of his commerce mission to Japan.  Extra info on the commerce mission could be discovered here.

Video from in the present day’s press convention is offered by clicking here.