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SullivanCotter Releases Annual Workforce Metrics Benchmark Survey Results and Offers Insight Into Health Care Workforce Structure

SullivanCotter

SullivanCotter, the nation’s leading independent consulting firm in the assessment and development of total rewards programs, workforce solutions, and technology and data products for the health care industry and not-for-profit sector, recently released results from its 2021 Workforce Metrics Benchmark Survey. The survey contains benchmark data on 10 staff level job families, including Ancillary Services, Care Management, Emergency Medical Services, Facilities Services, Financial Services, Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal and Compliance Services, Nursing, and Technical Medical Support. “Insights from this survey will arm health care organizations with essential information on how the composition and cost of their workforce compares to the market,” said James Roth, Managing Principal, SullivanCotter. “Health care organizations face unprecedented pressure as disruptions in patient volume, reductions in employer-sponsored insurance, labor shortages and rising expenses all remain key challenges. As these organizations look for better ways to optimize care delivery and improve performance, effectively managing the size, shape and architecture of the workforce is critical. By gaining an understanding of how your organization compares to industry benchmarks, you can better support operational restructuring decisions that help manage labor expenses, recognize acquisition-related cost saving opportunities, identify retirement risks, and uncover gaps in meeting your diversity objectives,” said Roth. Increased Attention on Workforce Architecture Understanding the drivers of workforce cost requires a multi-dimensional analysis that must take into consideration the interaction between three factors – the overall size of the workforce, the distribution of the workforce across career levels and the job level pay position relative to your target market. “The tension between responding to a compressed labor market and rising labor costs, and managing profitability battered by shifts in payor mix driven by the pandemic, has cast focus on the efficiency and effectiveness of the current workforce structure,” said Cathy Loose, Managing Principal, SullivanCotter. Thoughtfully defined career stages and job levels are the foundations for building a workforce architecture. SullivanCotter’s 2021 survey data indicates that almost one-quarter of titled managers do not have any staff accountability, which suggests that clarifying job definitions is a critical step many organizations miss. Then, carefully considering the desired workforce distribution within each functional area is a key pivot point that can inform the level of managerial span of control needed, define the overall size of the workforce, and influence the affordability and effectiveness of different pay philosophies. Boardroom Focus on Demographics is Accelerating There are few topics getting more attention from health care organization boards today than diversity and inclusion. Objectively, there are documented and researched benefits to expanding the representational diversity in the workforce. “In today’s constricted labor market, many organizations are focused on diversity as defined by race and gender, yet they are also revisiting legacy job requirements that may be limiting the diversity of experience, thought and skill in the candidate pool,” said Nanci Hibschman, Managing Principal, SullivanCotter. SullivanCotter’s data reveals that almost one-quarter of the active health care workforce will reach retirement age eligibility in the next ten years. While this will create a significant challenge in terms of accelerating the pace of staff replacement, the industry has a strong foundation of diversity to build upon with over three-quarters of the workforce being female and almost one-third ethnic minorities as indicated by SullivanCotter’s data. Health care organizations have a unique opportunity to lead change and influence the profile of the workforce of the future. Giving fair consideration to candidates with diverse backgrounds, experiences, knowledge, skills and abilities gives the organization the opportunity to discover new workforce combinations that may change how jobs are defined, how teams work together and how value gets created. Considerations for 2022 and Beyond As hospitals and health systems plan for what lies ahead and look to support financial sustainability and mitigate risk, organizations should consider market practices as well as their individual financial circumstances and structural definitions when determining their compensation and workforce-related actions. To support more sophisticated benchmarking and customized workforce design, SullivanCotter has developed a robust statistical analysis which integrates our extensive workforce demographic and structure data with our financial, performance and quality data. This enhanced methodology produces client-specific predictive modeling of workforce size, distribution and cost customized by job family to support large-scale workforce planning and analysis. “SullivanCotter’s 2021 Workforce Metrics Benchmark Survey reflects data collected using a rolling database model through 2020 and 2021. Due to the continued impact of the pandemic and the extremely dynamic environment, the survey data should be used thoughtfully, with appropriate context, and with sound business judgement as you plan and consider workforce management initiatives in 2022 and beyond,” said Roth. For more information on SullivanCotter’s 2021 Health Care Workforce Metrics Benchmark Survey or any other SullivanCotter surveys, please visit our website at www.sullivancotter.com, email us or contact us by phone at 888.739.7039. About SullivanCotter SullivanCotter partners with health care and other not-for-profit organizations to understand what drives performance and improve outcomes through the development and implementation of integrated workforce strategies. Using our time-tested methodologies and industry-leading research and information, we provide data-driven insights, expertise, data and technology products to help organizations align business strategy and performance objectives – enabling our clients to deliver on their mission, vision and values. Contact Details Becky Lorentz +1 314-414-3719 beckylorentz@sullivancotter.com Company Website https://sullivancotter.com

December 08, 2021 01:26 PM Eastern Standard Time

Nice Healthcare Partners with Capsule to Improve Access to Affordable Prescription Drugs

Nice Healthcare

Nice Healthcare, the clinic that comes to you, today announced that it has partnered with leading digital pharmacy Capsule - bringing effortless, free same-day medication delivery to Nice patients in the Twin Cities, Minnesota; Phoenix, Arizona; and Denver, Colorado. Beginning today, all Nice patients in those three markets can choose Capsule to easily manage and receive over 550 Nice formulary medications for zero cost, including free same-day delivery. Nice has integrated with Capsule’s proprietary APIs, enabling clinicians to provide the option to use Capsule via the Nice app, and will leverage Capsule when they prescribe medications. Nice Healthcare is reimagining the delivery of primary health care by combining innovation with the personal touch that has been lost in modern medicine. With Nice, a full-service clinic comes to you. The partnership with Capsule amplifies this benefit with medications delivered same-day to the home or office. Capsule benefits include effortless management and ordering of all 550+ common medications on Nice’s formulary - same-day, for zero cost. Patients will also receive free, same-day delivery for non-Nice formulary medications, OTC medications, and other common medical supplies. “The partnership with Capsule brings Nice’s patients a better pharmacy experience and same-day delivery for all their medication needs,” said Genevieve Swenson, FNP, Cofounder and COO for Nice Healthcare. “Nice was founded on the belief that healthcare should be simple, convenient and affordable for everyone - including those individuals and families who are socially and economically disadvantaged. This partnership further underscores our commitment to make a convenient healthcare option even better for patients and small business employers alike.” “We are excited to bring Capsule’s beloved consumer experience to Nice’s patients and help make it easier than ever before to get, manage, and stay on their medications,” said Eric Kinariwala, Founder and CEO of Capsule. “Our partnership is made possible by harnessing both Capsule and Nice’s proprietary technology platforms in a way unique to the healthcare system. This is healthcare – as it should be.” Key benefits of the Capsule partnership include: Free-same day hand delivery of acute and chronic medications to the patient’s door Patients can manage all of their medications from their phone, tablet, or computer Text, chat, or call expert pharmacists anytime To learn more about Nice Healthcare, visit www.nice.healthcare. About Nice Healthcare Nice Healthcare is redesigning comprehensive healthcare for small and medium-sized businesses by utilizing a mix of technology and in-home care. As an employee benefit, they offer employees and their households in-home and virtual primary care, virtual mental health therapy, and virtual physical therapy services. Their clinicians can also offer patients x-rays, 35 labs and blood draws and a formulary with over 550 medications with no out-of-pocket costs. Since launching in Minnesota in 2017, Nice has expanded its integrated care services to 12 states. About Capsule Capsule is rebuilding the pharmacy industry from the inside out with an emotionally resonant experience and technology that enables customized outcomes for doctors, hospitals, insurers, and manufacturers. Capsule has designed every aspect of the pharmacy experience to give consumers and partners the peace of mind of having their health looked after. Capsule is available in more than a dozen cities across the United States, with expansion plans to have the ability to reach 100 million Americans by year's end. For more information, please visit capsule.com Contact Details Nice Healthcare Karen Swim +1 586-461-2103 pr@nice.healthcare Company Website https://www.nice.healthcare

December 08, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Midtown Community Health Center to Accept Mobile Driver’s Licenses for Pharmacy Purchases at Ogden Location

GET Group North America

GET Group North America and The Utah Driver License Division (DLD) jointly announced today that the Midtown Community Health Center of Ogden will now accept mobile driver’s licenses (mDLs) for pharmacy transactions as part of the state’s mDL pilot. Utah is the first state in the U.S. to pilot an mDL that is fully compliant with international standards that ensure citizens can use their mDL globally as a legal form of identification. Mobile driver’s licenses provide a contactless “Tap & Go” ID transaction. Authenticating a patient’s ID without the need for a physical credential or their mobile device to change hands increases safety for both the pharmacist and their patient. Additionally, a mobile driver’s license gives an mDL holder greater control over their identity data than can be achieved with physical cards. While traditional physical identity documents provide verifiers access to all the citizen’s personal information, mobile ID utilizes data minimization which allows the mDL holder to only share the data required to complete the specific transaction. “When it comes to pharmacy transactions, it is essential that we can ensure an ID has not been tampered with so that only the intended recipient is obtaining the prescribed medications,” said Braden Mitchell, pharmacy director, Midtown Community Health Center. “We’re excited to be working with the state of Utah and GET Group North America to embrace the future of Mobile IDs and ensure we’ll be able to best serve our patients, protect their privacy, and reduce fraud.” Utah’s ISO 18013-5-compliant mDLs are an optional, trustworthy, official, government-issued driver’s license/ID on a mobile phone. The DLD e-signs the data and puts it under the control of the citizen, to be used via electronic transfer – a “Tap & Go” or “Scan & Go” interaction. Pharmacists (or any verifier) can authenticate eSignatures to immediately ensure the data is authoritative and not tampered with. “We’re excited to see the mDL ecosystem – both in Utah and nationally – continuing to grow and we’re very pleased to have Midtown Community Health Center participating in the state’s pilot,” said Alex Kambanis, Managing Director of GET Group North America. “We look forward to working with Utah DLD to support the clinic with technology to securely, contactlessly and unequivocally confirm IDs for pharmacy purchases.” Citizens are invited to enroll for their own mDL on Wednesday, December 15th from 3-6pm at the Midtown Community Health Center Ogden clinic (2240 Adams Ave in Ogden Utah). A valid Utah driver’s license is required for mDL registration. Midtown Community Health Center of Ogden offers patients of all ages and backgrounds comprehensive primary healthcare services including well care, prenatal care, pediatrics, immunizations, women’s health, geriatrics, and treatment for acute and chronic illnesses. It is one of 13 Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) across the state. About GET Group North America GET Group North America and its partners develop, manufacture, and implement end-to-end solutions for secure physical and mobile credentials that enable government agencies, motor vehicle departments, municipalities law enforcement organizations, and other entities to leverage the latest in secure identity management technologies. From photo ID cards, driver licenses and passports, to mDLs and mIDs, GET Group NA delivers advanced issuance, verification and personalization capabilities that prevent identification fraud, accommodate diversified customer needs, and support the future of ID use cases. Contact Details SVM Public Relations Jordan Bouclin +1 401-490-9700 jordan.bouclin@svmpr.com Company Website https://getgroupna.com/

December 07, 2021 10:01 AM Eastern Standard Time

Unknown Causes of Kidney Disease Project: American Kidney Fund Convenes Working Groups to Advance Kidney Disease Diagnoses

American Kidney Fund

The American Kidney Fund (AKF) yesterday held a working session summit to advance the path forward toward uncovering the unknown causes of kidney disease. The working session was the latest convening of AKF’s Unknown Causes of Kidney Disease (UCKD) Project, which brings together thought leaders from across the renal community to address four areas that are critical to improving diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease. “Too many patients fall into late-stage kidney disease or kidney failure, without a clear understanding of why. This can have dire consequences, such as delayed treatment, additional comorbidities and even the loss of a transplanted kidney,” said LaVarne A. Burton, AKF President and CEO. “We are working to bring together a thoughtful, dedicated collaboration among the kidney care community, resulting in steady progress toward making systematic changes that will help reduce the number of patients unaware of the origins of their kidney disease.” During the summit, the UCKD Project’s three implementation groups discussed key goals, current progress, anticipated barriers and next steps on: Public policy: Ensuring equitable insurance coverage for patients seeking an accurate diagnosis, including policies that increase genetic testing coverage for kidney disease. Patient and caregiver empowerment: Creating a suite of resources and tools to empower patients to work effectively with their clinicians to secure an accurate diagnosis. Health care professional awareness and education: Addressing knowledge gaps among clinicians, beginning with conducting research with primary care physicians, nephrologists, urologists, endocrinologists, nurse practitioners and physician assistants. “Sanofi Genzyme has a long-standing commitment to improving the lives of people living with rare renal diseases, said Duane Clark, General Manager, US Rare Diseases, Sanofi Genzyme. “As part of that effort, we are proud to be an ongoing supporter of the important work of the American Kidney Fund and the Unknown Causes of Kidney Disease project, including sponsorship of the Dec. 6 Summit. We know that many people enter late-stage kidney failure without knowing the cause of their disease. The UCKD Summit offers a unique opportunity to bring a wide variety of stakeholders to the table to tackle the real problems in diagnosis and develop action plans, with the common hope of bringing solutions forward that benefit patients living with chronic kidney disease.” The UCKD Project is supported by Title Sponsor Sanofi Genzyme, Leadership Sponsors Natera and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Champion Sponsors Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc. and Travere Therapeutics. Participants in yesterday’s summit included Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Alport Syndrome Foundation, Fabry Support and Information Group, Natera, National Minority Quality Forum, National Organization for Rare Disorders, National Society of Genetic Counselors, NephCure Kidney International, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., Renal Physicians Association, Sanofi Genzyme, Travere Therapeutics and Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. About the American Kidney Fund The American Kidney Fund (AKF) fights kidney disease on all fronts as the nation’s leading kidney nonprofit. AKF works on behalf of the 37 million Americans living with kidney disease, and the millions more at risk, with an unmatched scope of programs that support people wherever they are in their fight against kidney disease—from prevention through transplant. With programs that address early detection, disease management, financial assistance, clinical research, innovation and advocacy, no kidney organization impacts more lives than AKF. AKF is one of the nation’s top-rated nonprofits, investing 97 cents of every donated dollar in programs, and holds the highest 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator and the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. For more information, please visit KidneyFund.org, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Contact Details Stefanie Tuck 202-470-1797 +1 978-390-1394 AKF@jpa.com Company Website https://www.kidneyfund.org/

December 07, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Premier Allergist, formerly The Allergy & Asthma Center, Joins AllerVie Health and Expands AllerVie Footprint to 10 States and 64 Locations

AllerVie Health

Today, AllerVie Health, a national network of board-certified allergists and immunologists, welcomes Premier Allergist, formerly The Allergy & Asthma Center, to its national platform. With the addition of Premier Allergist, AllerVie adds 32 locations to its provider network, enters three new states, and densifies their existing presence in Virginia and Florida. Dr. Prasad M. Nataraj, MD, the owner and founder of Premier Allergist, joins AllerVie Health and will be serving in a new executive leadership role where his expertise in increasing access to care through allergy clinic growth will help propel the company’s national network expansion. Dr. Nataraj attended medical school at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical School in India, completed his residency at Cornell Hospital in New York, and completed fellowship at the Louisiana State University – Tulane combination program. Dr. Nataraj and his wife Radhika built Premier Allergist over the past 26 years through relentless dedication to their calling to provide patients with state-of-the-art techniques for treatment, testing, and diagnosis of allergy, asthma, and related immunological disorders. "We are thrilled to be able to expand our phenomenal patient base and the care we provide to our patients by partnering with AllerVie Health,” said Dr. Prasad M. Nataraj. “We look forward to utilizing their resources to improve care for our current patients and to amplify our reach to new patients in our current and new markets.” All Premier Allergist providers will continue to practice medicine and provide exemplary allergy and immunology services to patients from their current locations throughout Maryland, D.C, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Florida, ensuring continuity of care for patients. By joining AllerVie Health, Premier Allergist will leverage AllerVie’s commitment to clinical research, innovation, and expansion of care allowing the combined organization to expand and enhance services to patients through new clinical research trials, innovative treatments, and other resources available across the nationwide network of providers. “AllerVie Health is a patient-first organization directed by and in support of board-certified allergists,” said Dr. Weily Soong, AllerVie Health Chief Medical Officer. “We believe that all people deserve access to evidence-based allergy diagnostics and treatments, as well as advancements in allergy therapeutics stemming from clinical research trials. With the inclusion of Premier Allergist to our network, we are thrilled to be adding new providers to our network who both believe and ensure that patients receive the best in life changing care every day - the ultimate AllerVie experience.” An organization of like-minded, patient-focused providers living out their commitment to improving people’s lives one patient at a time, AllerVie Health and Premier Allergist look forward to bringing more clinic access, job opportunities, and the gold standard of patient care to their communities. About AllerVie Health AllerVie Health is a national network of board-certified allergists and immunologists partnering together for the advancement of patient care, serving patients across 10 states in 64 clinic locations. Our providers are committed to establishing the allergy and immunology gold standard, expanding access to best-in-class care, and bringing relief and renewed vitality to the millions of Americans affected annually, many of whom live in underserved communities today. AllerVie is relentlessly dedicated to clinical excellence, creating an improved patient experience, and supporting the development of advanced allergy and immunology-focused therapeutics and treatment options. With AllerVie Health, our patients can feel their best, reclaim their lives, and live in freedom! To learn more, visit www.allervie.com. Contact Details Rachel Russell Chief Marketing Officer rrussell@allervie.com Weily Soong, MD Chief Medical Officer wsoong@allervie.com

December 06, 2021 12:00 PM Central Standard Time

MetroPlusHealth Brings Behavioral Health Services In-house, Citing Need for Integrated Care of Body and Mind

MetroPlusHealth

MetroPlusHealth, New York City’s five-star health plan, announced today the successful completion of its year-long effort to bring behavioral health (BH) services in-house. Now, MetroPlusHealth staff, part of the largest BH provider in New York State – NYC Health + Hospitals – will be providing both BH and medical benefits to its more than 625,000 members. As New York City continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, the integration of body and mind issues and coordinated care of both have become more important than ever before. Amidst an uptick in the utilization of BH services by its members, including a bump of nearly 85 % in BH telehealth services, a recent survey* conducted by MetroPlusHealth found that over 55% of New Yorkers believe the pandemic has negatively impacted their mental health. The transition to in-house BH services will help address the surge in BH-related issues, offering MetroPlusHealth members a more effective, holistic care experience, and will result in improved medical and mental health outcomes for members and greater efficiency for the health plan. The Plan’s approach to integrated care has already garnered significant success, earning national recognition for its innovation and, in New York State, the #1 ranking in quality. Over a nearly forty-year span, MetroPlusHealth has grown from a tiny pilot program working out of Manhattan’s Metropolitan Hospital to a major health insurer, covering hundreds of thousands of lives across the five boroughs. Delivering BH services to its members is the latest forward step in the steady evolution of one of New York City’s largest health plans. “Behavioral health benefits must be an integral component of our health plans. These services enable us to offer our members the full range of coordinated care,” said Dr. Talya Schwartz, President and CEO of MetroPlusHealth. “Our mission, as a health plan, embraces taking care of the complete person. When we care for the body, we can’t just ignore the mind. New York City has always been demanding, and its residents face many stresses. But COVID-19 has placed new pressures on the health care system, on New Yorkers, and our most vulnerable members, as well. As New York City’s homegrown health plan and proud New Yorkers ourselves, we quickly realized that these times require innovative thinking and approaches. Bringing BH in-house was one of the most critical initiatives we launched during the pandemic. Our members need our full attention to their care, and that includes their behavioral health.” MetroPlusHealth is committed to treating physical health and behavioral health as equally important to its members' wellbeing. Traditionally, these concerns have been managed separately by most health plans, with BH outsourced to vendors. Over the past eighteen months, MetroPlusHealth has done significant work to integrate a behavioral health model of care, which aims to heighten staff awareness and synergy to ensure that members’ physical and mental health issues are addressed together to improve care quality and efficiency. Under this new model of care, MetroPlusHealth now enlists and collaborates with its network of primary care physicians (PCPs) to identify behavioral health issues at the front lines. This will result in PCPs becoming more acutely aware of their patient’s behavioral health challenges and effectively starting recovery as soon as possible. Dr. Schwartz emphasized the advantages the new BH arrangement affords MetroPlusHealth’s participating providers. “We believe our new BH benefit management is less restrictive and more collaborative with our in-network providers. Less the stick approach with utilization management and more aligned with our providers through VBP contracting. This difference is not trivial, as credit for savings has to be split between physical health and BH, but our new BH model is more likely to be successful than when we outsourced behavioral health. Overall, the transition to in-house BH services is great for members, providers, and us. Definitely a win-win-win.” MetroPlusHealth’s decision to transition its behavioral health to in-house management “unlocks a new universe of quality and efficiency opportunities that would have been difficult to achieve with outside partners,” said Dr. Sanjiv Shah, Chief Medical Officer of MetroPlusHealth. “Having mental health services in-house puts mental and medical health on equal footing and importance. BH impacts physical health, and physical health impacts BH. We know that people with BH issues have significantly worse outcomes and shorter life spans. After cardiac events, patients frequently experience depression and anxiety and addressing those conditions may lead to better cardiac outcomes.” With in-house services, MetroPlusHealth’s BH experts can now screen for complications in real-time before conditions worsen, eliminating the issue of not having access to care because of insurance. They can also supplement medical treatment by addressing social determinants of health such as housing, food insecurity, and employment. “The new BH model,” said Dr. Shah, “will make it much easier for us to identify, monitor, and partner with our members in the successful treatment of their physical and mental health needs, and their social determinants, as well.” “Our team works closely with some of the Plan’s most at-risk members,” stated Anna Reyna, LCSW, CCM, Manager, ICM (Integrated Care Management) Task Force at MetroPlusHealth. “It’s so exciting to now have an in-house behavioral health department that can support our work with high risk, homeless members, who often have significant mental health and substance use disorders, alongside complex medical conditions. These members may need assistance with so many aspects of their care that it can be overwhelming and discouraging to people who are already struggling. An in-house behavioral health department that understands the challenges of our most vulnerable members, and can assist with their stabilization, is a tremendous advantage to our members.” MetroPlusHealth’s integrated BH program is designed to: Ensure access to a broad range of services like Home & Community-Based Services (HCBS), which support the acquisition of life skills, job training, employment support, social skills, and family therapy. Support Behavioral Health Children and Family Treatment and Support Services (CFTSS), an array of therapy, rehabilitation, and psychosocial services for children and youth under age 21. Create tailored partnerships for extremely vulnerable (e.g., formerly incarcerated and homeless), ensuring strong alignment/coordination with City agencies, H+H, and CBOs. Provide individualized and comprehensive care plans designed for each member, considering BH, Medical and Social Determinants of Health. Person-Centered Service Plan (PCSP) will emphasize shared decision-making approaches that empower members, provide choice and minimize stigma. Actively communicate with the member’s other care coordinators and providers to ensure health and wellness goals are met. Care coordination activities will be the foundation for care plans and foster individual responsibility for health awareness. Work with the provider community to provide member-specific feedback. MetroPlusHealth’s BH program and patient outcomes will: Provide a whole-person approach to treatment, prevention and wellness, including a focus on addressing social determinants. Reduce avoidable inpatient and emergency department utilization by ensuring effective care management, utilization management and access to quality providers. Promote recovery from substance use disorder through effective connection to Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and/or outpatient treatment. Develop operational agreements with the provider community to align on effective rendering of evidence-based treatments. Besides the robust network of BH providers now available to them through their health plan, MetroPlusHealth members can also utilize MetroPlus Virtual Visit. This no-cost 24/7 telehealth program connects them to board-certified therapists and psychiatrists by smartphone, tablet, or computer. With COVID-19, it is essential that members always have access to telehealth. Virtual Visits enable members to get help when they need it, free of stigma and free of charge. Much of the mechanics of the BH transition to an in-house model may be clinical, Dr. Talya Schwartz pointed out. “But, ultimately, this transition is about ensuring that hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers, our members, our neighbors, get seamless access to the mental health services that now, more than ever, they need.” ### About MetroPlusHealth Since 1985, MetroPlus Health Plan has built a reputation for providing access to affordable, quality health care to residents across New York City. MetroPlusHealth is the plan of choice for over 625,000 New Yorkers and has a five-star rating based on the State’s 2020 Consumer’s Guide to Medicaid and Child Health Plus Managed Care Plans in New York City. The health plan’s robust network of primary care doctors and specialists includes many independent community providers. Culturally sensitive, and fluent in more than 40 languages, MetroPlusHealth’s staff is as diverse as the great city it serves. For more information about MetroPlusHealth plans, benefits, and services, visit www.metroplus.org and join the conversation at facebook.com/metroplushealth and Twitter @metroplushealth. MetroPlusHealth is part of NYC Health + Hospitals, the nation’s largest public health system. For a list of MetroPlusHealth locations and hours of operations, visit metroplus.org/metroplus-near-you. Research Methodology MetroPlusHealth’s 2021 Survey of Behavioral Health was conducted in September 2021 and consists of two distinct studies with the Geo-CARAVAN survey conducted by ENGINE INSIGHTS. The NYC survey was among New York City DMA residents, 18 years of age and older. The general population survey was among a sample of 1,011 adults 18 years of age and older. The online omnibus study is conducted three times a week among a demographically representative U.S. sample of 1,000 adults 18 years of age and older. About ENGINE INSIGHTS ENGINE INSIGHTS is a collaborative and consultative research partner to hundreds of organizations around the globe. We possess a wide variety of resources, tools and technologies to collect and analyze information for our clients. As a member of the Insights Association and ESOMAR (the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research), ENGINE INSIGHTS adheres to industry ethics and best practices, including maintaining the anonymity of our respondents. Contact Details Divendra Jaffar 212-908-3380 +1 646-952-3243 jaffadi@metroplus.org

December 06, 2021 11:23 AM Eastern Standard Time

AmeriLife Welcomes Jim Palmer as President, Direct to Consumer

AmeriLife

AmeriLife Group, LLC (“AmeriLife”), a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing annuity, life, and health insurance solutions, today announced that it has hired Jim Palmer as President, Direct to Consumer. Palmer, reporting to AmeriLife Chief Marketing Officer Ovi Vitas, will partner with AmeriLife’s executive team and ownership group Thomas H. Lee Partners to lead AmeriLife’s growing direct-to-consumer business. In this newly created role, Palmer will assume day-to-day responsibility for AmeriLife’s national, direct-to-consumer platform that specializes in Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement solutions. This platform represents the merger of Senior Healthcare Direct and MACC Insurance Services (previously an affiliate of The Equita Group), which were both acquired by AmeriLife in late 2020 and further augmented by technology investments made by AmeriLife. Palmer will also provide operational oversight over Senior Healthcare Direct – one of the fastest growing direct-to-consumer Medicare insurance brokerages in the industry – working closely with Founder and Chief Sales Officer Robert Bache (aka “Medicare Bob”) and Vice President and Head of Contact Center Enablement Christina Ragone to drive the growth and success of the business. “I’m excited to join one of the largest insurance distributors in the country and help grow and expand their direct-to-consumer capabilities,” said Palmer. “The direct-to-consumer space is rapidly growing and evolving, and I believe that AmeriLife is well positioned to capitalize on the growth opportunities across its multi-channel distribution network.” Palmer brings more than 20 years of insurance industry experience to AmeriLife. He most recently served in progressively senior roles at TRANZACT, where he spent more than a decade with P&L responsibility building and leading several lines of business across TRANZACT’s life and health insurance portfolios. Prior to TRANZACT, Palmer served as director at Carroll Enterprises, Inc., leading the company’s life insurance business focused on direct-to-consumer sales. "As we continue to build our world-class direct-to-consumer business, we couldn’t be more excited to add such a seasoned executive as Jim,” added Vitas. “Jim’s experience will undoubtedly bring greater efficiency to an already well-run business, and help us scale our DTC efforts across our network as we emerge from what is shaping up to be an extremely successful Annual Enrollment Period.” Palmer, who is also a licensed insurance agent, received his Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Ohio University. He currently serves as an advisory board member with the University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business, and a business mentor for the Columbus, Ohio, chapter of SCORE Mentors. Palmer resides in Columbus with his wife Renee and their three children, Kara, Morgan and Brady. ### About AmeriLife AmeriLife’s strength is its mission: to offer insurance and retirement solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. By putting its mission into practice, AmeriLife has become recognized as a national leader in developing, marketing, and distributing life and health insurance, annuities and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees. For 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with the nation’s leading insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers served through a national distribution network of over 250,000 insurance agents and advisors, over 40 marketing organizations, and nearly 50 insurance agency locations. Visit www.AmeriLife.com for more information, and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. Contact Details AmeriLife Jeff Maldonado +1 321-297-1112 jmaldonado@amerilife.com Company Website https://amerilife.com/

December 06, 2021 09:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

Hong Kong Successfully Hosts the 18th World Congress of Chinese Medicine for the First Time

Hong Kong Tourism Board

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 6 December 2021 - The 18th World Congress of Chinese Medicine (WCCM), one of the world's largest academic events in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), was successfully held in Hong Kong for the first time at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 4 December 2021. Officiating guests including: the Hon Mrs. Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the People's Republic of China (6th from left), Mr. C Y Leung, GBM, GBS, JP, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the People's Republic of China (4th from right), Mr. Tan Tieniu, Vice Director of Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong S.A.R. (4th from left), Professor Sophia Chan Siu-chee, JP, Secretary for Food and Health of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, The People's Republic of China (3rd from right), Dr. Chui Tak-yi, JP, Under Secretary for Food and Health of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, The People's Republic of China (3rd from left), Dr. Ronald Lam, JP, Director of Health of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, The People's Republic of China (2nd from left), Dr. Margaret Chan Fung Fu-chun, former Director-General of the World Health Organization (2nd from right), Ms. Feng Jiu, Permanent President of Hong Kong Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioners Association (5th from left), Mr. Tommy Li Ying-sang, Chairman of the Federation of the Hong Kong Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Chinese Medicine Traders Association (1st from right), and Professor Lyu Aiping, Dean of School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University (1st from left) joined hands to kick off The 18th World Congress of Chinese Medicine. The 18th World Congress of Chinese Medicine Thanks to the bidding efforts of the Hong Kong Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioners Association, which is a member of the Hong Kong Convention Ambassador (HKCA) programme, initiated by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), in collaboration with the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (WFCMS), the hybrid event attracted more than 2,000 TCM academics and experts, generated over 3.8 million views from over 60 countries and regions. As physical gatherings resumed for the first time since the pandemic started, WCCM provided a platform for participants to engage in meaningful dialogue, covering TCM practices, benefits, opportunities and challenges, and the development potential of TCM. Mr. Ma Jianzhong, President of WFCMS, said, "We are pleased to host this edition of WCCM in Hong Kong for the first time. Embracing Chinese philosophy and culture, Hong Kong is the ideal place for academic and cultural exchanges to explore the way forward for furthering the global development of TCM, and its role in combating the pandemic through collaboration between practitioners and public sectors." Mr. Sang Binsheng, Vice President and Secretary General of WFCMS added, "Hong Kong is renowned for being the 'World's Meeting Place' thanks to its globally accessible and convenient transport network, large-scale world-class venues, facilities and professional services. We look forward to gathering again in Hong Kong and navigating the future of TCM development together." With its unrivalled fundamentals, Hong Kong is the core international city in the Greater Bay Area, a super-connector in the Belt and Road Initiative, and the ideal platform to promote TCM on the global stage. HKTB Executive Director Mr Dane Cheng said, "Hong Kong enjoys unique geographical and cultural advantages, and is the ideal destination for international conventions. Many such events have taken place recently, demonstrating Hong Kong's ability to host large-scale global events safely and efficiently. Apart from TCM, Hong Kong will continue to leverage the city's advantages as an East-meets-West showcase to promote the very best of Chinese heritage." The congress received extensive support from government and industry bodies. The National Administration of TCM and the Hong Kong Food and Health Bureau acted as advisors, and it was organised by the WFCMS, along with the Hong Kong Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioners Association and the WFCM (Hong Kong) Council Members Association as local hosts. Hong Kong – A World-Class Medical Convention Hub Hong Kong is a cultural melting pot, bringing together the best that the world has to offer, demonstrating the true definition of 'East meets West', even in the field of medicine. With its high global professional standing in medical science, Hong Kong plays a bridging role to contribute to the further development of TCM, as well as many Western medical disciplines. This winter, the city will also play host to key medical conventions, including the International Annual Congress of the Endoscopic and Laparoscopic Surgeons of Asia (ELSA) 2021, and the Hong Kong International Dental Expo and Symposium (HKIDEAS) 2021, both of which are led by Convention Ambassadors of the two organisations under the HKCA programme. About the Hong Kong Convention Ambassador (HKCA) programme Initiated by the HKTB, the HKCA programme brings together distinguished leaders from business and professional bodies to make Hong Kong the premier choice for regional and global meetings, conventions and exhibitions. HKTB provides comprehensive professional support and services to HKCAs, from event planning, bidding and preparation to execution. For more details, visit www.mehongkong.com/hkca. Contact Details Hong Kong Tourism Board Ms Vanessa So +852 2807 6540 vanessa.so@hktb.com

December 06, 2021 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

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How to Figure Out Medicare and Choose the Right Plan

YourUpdateTV

Choosing a Medicare plan can feel overwhelming. Ten thousand baby boomers age into Medicare everyday with questions about getting the right, affordable healthcare coverage and finding a Medicare plan that fits their needs. Recently, Keira Krausz, the Chief Marketing Officer at ClearMatch™ Medicare, part of HealthPlanOne, teamed with YourUpdateTV on a satellite media tour to share tips on how to make this year’s Medicare enrollment less confusing. A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/58vAvLAhVyIQ For nearly 63 million Medicare beneficiaries or individuals turning 65 who need affordable health plan coverage, Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period is here, and it will end in December 7 th. Choosing a Medicare plan can feel overwhelming. According to a recent survey, 58 percent of Medicare members say they don’t look forward to reviewing their Medicare plan, with 23 percent of people sharing that reviewing their plan is as delightful as having a colonoscopy. In 2019, 71 percent of Medicare beneficiaries said they didn’t compare plans during the open enrollment period, according to a Kaiser study published last month. Not comparing plans is a missed opportunity – because each year plans and benefits change – it’s important for individuals to compare their options, and a broker like ClearMatch™ Medicare can easily provide you a simple comparison of best plans. ClearMatch™ Medicare is committed to “de-complexify” Medicare for customers across the country. They match each customer with the right plan at the right place to deliver better health and peace of mind. The company can support customers throughout their Medicare journey, with a focus on the long-term. ClearMatch agents guide customers at every step of the way, from identifying and enrolling in a plan to reviewing coverage each year to make sure customers get all the benefits they deserve. To learn more about this year’s Medicare’s Annual Enrollment period and ClearMatch™ Medicare, go to: clearmatchmedicare.com About Keira Krausz: An award-winning Direct-to-Consumer marketer, Krausz has spent her career focused on the melding of data-driven analytics and compelling creative. Krausz led the launch of the ClearMatch™ Medicare brand. The brand’s purpose is to match each customer with a Medicare plan that delivers the benefits the customer is entitled to, to support better health and deliver peace of mind. The company expects potential customers will benefit from its digital content and then leverage a hybrid approach – an ecommerce platform plus a licensed ClearMatch™ Medicare insurance agent – to gain a solid understanding of options and enroll in a plan. ClearMatch™ Medicare agents, supported by the company, then will build a long-term relationship with each customer to ensure satisfaction. From 2013-2018 Krausz was the CMO and EVP of Nutrisystem, Inc., where her team reversed a seven-year decline and returned the company to sustained growth, to nearly double revenue and quadruple EBITDA. Prior to Nutrisystem, Krausz held leadership positions at Time Inc. and the Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. Krausz attended Cornell University as an undergraduate and has an MBA from the Tuck School at Dartmouth College. About YourUpdateTV: YourUpdateTV is a social media video portal for organizations to share their content. It includes separate channels for Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Media and Entertainment, Money and Finance, Social Responsibility, Sports and Technology. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

December 03, 2021 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

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