News & Press Releases
Announcements urge Americans to "support, befriend, remember and appreciate" the nation's military family members
WASHINGTON, DC (October 13, 2008) – A joint public education campaign by the US Family Health Plan, a healthcare plan for military family members, and the National Military Family Association, a 501(c)3 non-profit advocacy organization for military families, has been nominated for an Emmy® Award. The series of four announcements, “Now is Our Time to Serve,” is designed to raise awareness of the need to “support, befriend, remember and appreciate” America’s military family members. The series is among only three nominees nationwide for an Emmy in the category of Local Public Service Announcement.
The public service announcements were produced in conjunction with the US Family Health Plan and the National Military Family Association by Marion, Montgomery, Inc., a full-service marketing, public relations and interactive agency based in Houston, Texas. The series aired from July 2007 through February 2008, with total viewership topping 7.3 million, including broadcasts in several major U.S. television markets and airings in over 200 movie theatres. The announcements—just one facet of an ongoing partnership between the US Family Health Plan and the National Military Family Association—may be viewed online at www.yearofthemilitaryfamily.org.
The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences will announce the winners of this year’s Public and Community Service Emmy Awards at a luncheon ceremony on Friday, Nov. 7, 2008, at the Rainbow Room, 30 Rockefeller Center in New York City. Winners for the awards will be chosen by a blue-ribbon panel of judges composed of community leaders, educators, business people, television professionals and artists. Panels of civic leaders and community service professionals from around the country chose finalists and the nominees were tabulated by the independent accountancy firm Lutz and Carr, LLP.
“We are honored that our public service campaign with the National Military Family Association has been nominated for an Emmy Award,” said Kate Ryan, chair of the US Family Health Plan Alliance. “It is gratifying to know that our partnership on this initiative has raised awareness—at so many levels—of the need to support, befriend, remember and appreciate military families, whom both organizations have served for many years.”
Nancy Alsheimer, chairman of the National Military Family Association Board of Governors, said, “Our collaboration with US Family Health Plan on the public service series reflects NMFA’s longtime mission of protecting and promoting the interests of military families. The Emmy nomination for the series will bring additional attention to the important message of support for families—and for that, we are grateful.”
The US Family Health Plan is a Department of Defense-sponsored health plan, made available by nonprofit healthcare providers in six service areas across the country. It delivers the TRICARE Prime benefit to over 100,000 military beneficiaries, including active-duty family members, activated Guard and Reserve family members, and retirees and their family members. One of its hallmarks is its ability to maintain a consistently high level of patient satisfaction; in fact, in 2008, overall satisfaction with the health plan is 87.9 percent, compared to 61.9 percent for traditional HMOs. For more information, visit www.usfamilyhealthplan.org.
The National Military Family Association, the only nonprofit organization that represents families of all ranks and services, prepares spouses, children and parents to better deal with the unique challenges of military life. The Association protects benefits vital to all families, including those of the deployed, wounded and fallen. For nearly 40 years, its staff and volunteers comprised mostly of military family members, have built a reputation as the leading experts on military family issues. For more information, visit http://www.nmfa.org.
The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences is a professional
service organization dedicated to the advancement of the arts and sciences
of television and the promotion of creative leadership for artistic, educational
and technical achievements within the television industry. For more information,
please visit www.emmyonline.tv.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Oakland
Marion, Montgomery, Inc.
713.523.7900 ext. 127
soakland@mmihouston.com
MEDIA CONTACT:
Michelle Joyner
National Military Family Association
703.931.6632 ext. 331
publicrelations@nmfa.org
September 19, 2008 - Maxor Pharmacy Update
The effects of Hurricane Ike have temporarily altered regular pharmacy operations. The following is an update on each pharmacy:
- The St. Mary Maxor location plans to resume regular business hours beginning Monday, Sept. 29. Please call (409) 989-5643 to confirm before your visit.
- The St. John Maxor location is running on generator power and will be open Monday-Friday, 9am-2pm. Regular business hours will resume once power is restored.
- The St. Joseph Maxor location will be open regular business hours beginning Monday, Sept. 22.
If you are not able to get to any of these locations, please call Maxor Plus at 1-800-687-0707. The number is also on your Member ID card. Maxor Plus will assist you in getting prescription at alternate pharmacy locations. As information is updated, we will continue to post to the US Family Health Plan website.
US Family Health Plan Member Services
1-800-67U-SFHP (1-800-678-7347)
September 18, 2008 - Maxor Pharmacy Update
The Clear Lake Maxor location is closed indefinitely until electricity is returned to the facility. The St. Mary's location is closed until further notice.
The St. Joseph Maxor location will be OPEN TODAY 8:30am-6:00pm If you cannot get to St. Joseph, please call Maxor Plus at 1-800-687-0707. The number is also on your Member ID card. Maxor Plus will assist you in getting prescriptions at alternate pharmacy locations.
As information is updated, we will continue to post to the website.
US Family Health Plan Member Services
1-800-67U-SFHP (1-800-678-7347)
September 17, 2008 - Important Notice on Maxor Pharmacy
The St. Joseph Maxor location will be open Thursday, 10am-2pm.
The Clear Lake Maxor location is closed indefinitely until electricity is returned to the facility. The St. Mary’s location is closed until further notice.
If you cannot get to St. Joseph, please call Maxor Plus at 1-800-687-0707. The number is also on your Member ID card. Maxor Plus will assist you in getting prescriptions at alternate pharmacy locations.
As information is updated, we will continue to post to the website.
US Family Health Plan Member Services
1-800-67U-SFHP (1-800-678-7347)
September 11, 2008 - In Preparation for Hurricane Ike
The US Family Health Plan is interested in supporting our members in every way possible. As the Gulf Coast prepares for the storm and throughout hurricane season, US Family Health Plan members need to know:
IF YOU EVACUATE OR IF YOU SUFFER STORM RELATED INJURY OR ILLNESS and you need urgent or emergency medical care - you will obtain that care under the same provisions as care you receive when you travel. For emergent care, call 911 and/or go immediately to the nearest emergency room. Call Member Services as soon as feasible but within 24 hours if you or a family member are physically able to do so. When you do, please be prepared to give the address and phone number where you can be reached. For urgent care, call your primary physician - or Member Services if your primary care physician is unavailable. Your doctor will be able to direct you. Both urgent and emergency care are covered by US Family Health Plan.
Our Member Services department should be operational 24/7 and can help you should you need assistance.
Be prepared in advance, by packing health-related items in a waterproof emergency kit, and keep them handy in case of an evacuation.
These items should include:
* Copies of each family member's uniformed services ID card.
* A list of other important phone numbers, including US Family Health
Plan Member Services, Maxor Pharmacy and Medicare.
* A list of each family member's prescription medications and their doses,
in case they need to be replaced.
Prescription drug services will be available through MAXOR Pharmacies from an out of town location as needed. We are allowing early refills and because the mandatory evacuation area is so far from the Maxor Pharmacies have authorized refills at CVS.
Please also note that Mail Order has been suspended to the mandatory evacuation zip codes. Prescriptions will be mailed out when the Post Office is reopened or members can call Maxor with a temporary address. The phone number for Maxor is 1-800-687-0707. Please call Member Services should you experience any problems with prescription medications.
We hope that the storm passes without effecting our area and that you and your family stay safe and out of harm's way.
The US Family Health Plan Member Services Department
1-800-67U-SFHP (1-800-678-7347)
May 30, 2008 - "Destiny" Awaits One of Amercia's Injured Heroes
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Oakland
Marion, Montgomery, Inc.
713.523.7900 ext. 127
soakland@mmihouston.com
"Destiny" Awaits One of America’s Injured Heroes
Guide dog being trained by health care plan for military family members
HOUSTON, TX (June 10, 2008) Visitors to the headquarters of US Family Health Plan at CHRISTUS Health, 2600 North Loop West, might be surprised to share a conference room with a four-month-old, yellow Labrador retriever. But this is no ordinary office setting and no ordinary dog. The entire team at the health plan, which delivers federal healthcare benefits to military families, is helping to prepare "Destiny" for service as a guide dog for a sight-impaired individual – most likely an injured U.S. veteran.
Destiny came to US Family Health Plan from Southeastern Guide Dogs (www.guidedogs.org) near Bradenton, Fla., one of only 12 internationally accredited guide dog agencies in America. Destiny was available for basic training by a volunteer "puppy raiser" as part of Southeastern's mission to partner guide dogs with individuals who have visual impairments. When Sharon Vollers, a registered nurse and clinical director for US Family Health Plan at CHRISTUS Health, learned that Southeastern’s "Paws for Patriots" program matches guide dogs with veterans having vision impairments or other disabilities, she got involved.
Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Marshall Bolyard, executive director of the US Family Health Plan at CHRISTUS Health and chair of the US Family Health Plan Alliance, says, "We serve the dependents of retired and active-duty military -- and Sharon recognized the opportunity to directly impact blind or injured service men and women. We also were hopeful that our involvement might raise awareness among local military associations that this type of resource exists."
Vollers is responsible for teaching Destiny house manners, social skills and basic obedience, and exposing her to a variety of environments – hence, the dog's "workdays" in the health plan’s office. Destiny is so popular with employees that Elaine Payton, receptionist, often fields calls about the dog's whereabouts. "Everyone wants to baby-sit her," Payton says. "They all love her – and she's like one of them. Not only does she get phone calls, she has her own ID card for access to the building."
Destiny also accompanies Vollers to restaurants, movie theatres and department stores, all of which, under Texas law, provide access for certified service animals in training. The consistent interaction with humans in different settings is necessary for Destiny's development as a guide dog.
Vollers, who lives on a small ranch, has four other dogs as well as horses, cattle, chickens, dairy goats, ducks and rabbits. She seems well suited as Destiny's puppy raiser, but is quick to point out that other volunteers are needed – and that the most important qualification is commitment. "The gap between the number of people who need the services of a guide animal and the number of dogs trained per year is enormous," she says. "Only about 1,500 dogs are available per year nationwide and their useful life as a guide is only 10 years."
Before obtaining approval to raise Destiny, Vollers participated in a phone interview with a local coordinator for Southeastern Guide Dogs, several meetings over a 90-day period and a screening visit to her home. She also worked with senior management at the US Family Health Plan at CHRISTUS Health to draft policies and procedures for the dog's training in the office.
In March, Vollers picked up Destiny, then just nine weeks old, in Florida. "She fit under the seat of the plane for the trip to Texas and the flight attendants kept asking to see her; they said she looked just like the dog in the Cottonelle TV commercials."
So far, Destiny is showing great potential for her life's mission, according to Vollers. "She learns her commands pretty well because she wants to please. She's also very patient; she'll sit under my desk or a conference room table most of the day – and if meetings get a bit tense, she can always be counted on to lighten things up."
Vollers will continue to nurture Destiny until March 2009, when the dog will enter a four- to six-month, intensive final training phase in Florida. Neither Vollers nor any of the other volunteer puppy raisers receive compensation for their efforts. Other than transpor¬tation to and from the guide dog facility, dog food, toys and flea/tick prevention provided by Vollers, the approximately $40,000 cost of raising and training Destiny until the time she is placed with a person with vision impairments is being borne by Southeastern Guide Dogs entirely through charitable donations.
"Destiny will be that person's eyes," Vollers says. "It's fascinating that this animal, which is not 36 inches off the floor, is being taught to view the world from the perspective of 5'6" or more – to look for high objects that could pose a danger, to maneuver in traffic, to lead her new owner to stairs, elevators and doorways."
She adds, "I hope Destiny's new owner will be ecstatic to get her. If you read stories about people paired with a guide dog for the first time, you realize that it's a life-changing experience."
In fact, at the headquarters of Southeastern Guide Dogs, there's an intersection where the street names are Freedom and Independence. That's exactly what dogs like Destiny – with the help of volunteers like Vollers and her team – are prepared to provide.
About US Family Health Plan
The US Family Health Plan, a comprehensive health care plan and TRICARE Prime option, is available in six Department of Defense-designated regions of America to family members of active-duty military (including activated Reservists and National Guardsmen) as well as family members of military retirees. Enrollment is offered through community-based hospital and physician networks. For more information, visit www.usfamilyhealthplan.org.
About Southeastern Guide Dogs
Founded in 1982, Southeastern Guide Dogs helps people with vision impairments achieve mobility, independence and dignity. The 501(c)3 non-profit organization, which receives no government funding, has provided more than 2,270 professionally and humanely trained guide dogs at no charge to visually impaired persons through-out the United States. Southeastern Guide Dogs meets the highest standards of the International Guide Dog Federation, based in Reading, England, and is an accredited member.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Oakland
Marion, Montgomery, Inc.
713.523.7900
soakland@mmihouston.com
Health Plan For Military Families Achieves Member
Satisfaction Rating Among Highest In America
—US Family Health Plan ratings surpass most other plans for 13 years straight—
WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 3, 2007) — Assessed independently with the most widely used set of performance measures in the managed care industry, a community based healthcare plan for military families has achieved 2007 national member satisfaction ratings among the highest of all managed care organizations (MCOs) in America. The US Family Health Plan, a managed care (TRICARE Prime) option within the government's military health benefits system, was evaluated against a protocol known as the Health Plan Employer Data & Information Set (HEDIS ® ) through a methodology called the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS ® ) 4.0H Survey.
The CAHPS Survey methodology — the most comprehensive tool for measuring consumer satisfaction with health plans — was developed jointly by the Agency for Healthcare Research (AHRQ) and The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Designed to produce standardized results, the CAHPS Survey measures the members' experience with health plan care and service over the preceding 12 months.
A random sample of 4,372 US Family Health Plan members, representing all six hospital and physician networks contracted with the Department of Defense (DoD) to deliver care through the Plan, rated their overall satisfaction with the Plan, its customer service and their utilization of its healthcare services. On a scale of 0 to 10 (with 10 as the best possible rating), 87.9 percent of the US Family Health Plan members rated their overall satisfaction with the Plan as an 8, 9 or 10. The national average for member satisfaction with health plans, based on the 251 plans documented by the NCQA in its Quality Compass 2007 Public Report, is 63.2 percent.
“Compared to the Quality Compass benchmark, the US Family Health Plan's national scores significantly exceed the benchmark in all rating areas for the core population, which includes survey respondents of all ages,” said David Bahlinger, director of analytics and research for The Myers Group of Snellville, Ga., an NCQA-certified HEDIS survey vendor that administered the study of the US Family Health Plan members. “Additionally, the US Family Health Plan scores for members ages 18-64 are significantly higher in all four rating areas (including the Plan, its health care, its primary care doctors and specialists) and in members' reported ability to get needed care and get care quickly.”
The US Family Health Plan members' satisfaction rating for claims processing also significantly surpasses the Quality Compass benchmark. Further, members continue to report strong satisfaction with the Plan's customer service.
Marshall Bolyard, chair of the US Family Health Plan Alliance, said, “For 13 years in a row, independent surveys of US Family Health Plan members have confirmed they are among the most satisfied health plan beneficiaries in America . We will continue to focus on customer service, delivering high-quality care and providing military families with a comprehensive range of benefits — from preventative and wellness programs to intensive case management for members with chronic or multiple health conditions.”
The US Family Health Plan is available in DoD-designated regions of the East, Gulf and upper West coasts to military retirees, their eligible family members and eligible family members of active-duty personnel, including Reservists and National Guardsmen. The Plan provides routine, urgent and worldwide emergency care and is distinguished by its thousands of network doctors and hospitals, facilitating easy referrals to specialty care; low cost; low co-payments (and in many cases, no copayments); no deductibles; after-hours telephone access to healthcare providers in most locations; free preventative pediatric care; and free annual physicals.
Enrollment in the US Family Health Plan, which serves nearly 100,000 members, is offered through the following community-based hospital and physician networks:
- Johns Hopkins Medicine (1-800-801-9322) – serving central Maryland , Washington D.C. , and parts of Pennsylvania , Virginia and West Virginia
- Martin's Point Health Care (1-888-241-4556) – serving Maine , Vermont , New Hampshire and northeastern New York
- Brighton Marine Health Center (1-800-818-8589) – serving Massachusetts , including Cape Cod, plus Rhode Island and northern Connecticut
- St. Vincent Catholic Medical Centers (1-800-241-4848) – serving parts of New York , all of New Jersey , southeastern Pennsylvania and western Connecticut
- CHRISTUS Health (1-800-678-7347) – serving southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana
- Pacific Medical Centers (1-888-958-7347) – serving the Puget Sound area of Washington State .
The US Family Health Plan traces its roots back to 1981, when the Omnibus Reconciliation Act designated 10 U.S. Public Health Service Hospitals as U.S. Treatment
Facilities (USTFs) to provide care for the uniformed services through an agreement with the DoD. In 1993, that designation grew into a fully at-risk managed healthcare plan known as the US Family Health Plan. The Plan's popularity grew in regions where it was offered and in 1996, the National Defense Authorization Act designated the USTFs as TRICARE Prime Designated Providers and made the US Family Health Plan a permanent part of the military healthcare system.
For more information, visit the US Family Health Plan Web site at
www.usfamilyhealthplan.org .
» Downloadable PDF July 18, 2007 - "Year of the Military Family" Public Service Campaign Launched
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
—Initiative promotes supporting and thanking America’s three million military families—
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 18, 2007) – To recognize the sacrifices and the day-to-day needs of America’s three million military family members, the US Family Health Plan, a Department of Defense-sponsored healthcare plan, has partnered with the National Military Family Association (NMFA) to implement a public service campaign urging citizens to “support, befriend, remember and appreciate” military family members.US Family Health Plan, which in January launched a “Year of the Military Family” initiative, underwrote the public service campaign and has also donated to a scholarship fund for military family members, treated scores of them to free movie screenings and finalized plans to provide 150,000 more with complimentary family portraits.
“Having served military families for over a quarter century, we’ve set aside 2007 to recognize and be of greater assistance to them,” says Marshall Bolyard, chair of the US Family Health Plan Alliance. “The public service campaign, initiated by the National Military Family Association and produced with our support, is one way to do that.” Tanna Schmidli, chairman of NMFA (www.nmfa.org), says, “Our collaboration with US Family Health Plan this year reflects our continued, mutual commitment to military families. The public service campaigns furthers NMFA’s longtime mission of protecting and promoting the interests of military families.”
The campaign consists of national print, radio, TV, online and in-cinema public service announcements. Thirty- and 15-second video PSAs will air to approximately 3.4 million moviegoers in 205 theatres this summer and, along with four radio PSAs, may be downloaded from www.yearofthemilitaryfamily.org. Additional messages will be conveyed through military association publications and via the airwaves in regions heavily populated by military families.
“The campaign is moving and emotional, designed to get people thinking – not about the politics of war, but rather, the families who contribute to the nation’s well-being every day, during war as well as peace,” Bolyard says. For example, the PSAs suggest having coffee with a soldier’s parents, hiring a military spouse and mentoring a military child.
In further support of military families, the health plan’s contribution to the American Patriots Scholarship Program, an initiative of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), will aid students whose parents have died during active service. All administrative costs will be borne by MOAA and 100 percent of the donation will go directly to the merit-based program to educate the sons and daughters of military personnel. More information about the American Patriots Scholarship Program is available online at www.moaa.org.
The Year of the Military Family initiatives have generated ample positive feedback, according to Bolyard. In response to the recent movie screenings, complete with free popcorn and beverages, a Navy wife from Maine remarked in a letter to the health plan, “It was so nice to be in a place where military families were the guests of honor. Your willingness to openly recognize the sacrifices made by those serving this country, their spouses and their children will not be forgotten.”
The free family portraits will be provided this fall in partnership with participating JCPenney® Portraits studios through vouchers distributed by the health plan. Through the portrait studios’ “Smiles by Wire” service, military family members will have the opportunity to share their photographs online with deployed loved ones.
US Family Health Plan, a comprehensive health plan, is available in six regions on the East, West and Gulf coasts to family members of active-duty service men and women, as well as military retirees and their eligible family members. It’s a managed care (TRICARE Prime) option within the government’s military health benefits system and is distinguished by member satisfaction ratings 22 percent higher than the national average for satisfaction with health plans, as reported by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) in its Quality Compass 2006 Public Report.
Enrollment in US Family Health Plan, which currently serves nearly 100,000
military family members, is offered through the following networks of community-based
hospitals and physicians:
- Johns Hopkins Medicine (1-800-801-9322) – serving central Maryland,
Washington D.C., and parts of Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia - Martin’s Point Health Care (1-888-241-4556) – serving Maine, Vermont,
New Hampshire and northeastern New York - Brighton Marine Health Center (1-800-818-8589) – serving Massachusetts,
including Cape Cod, plus Rhode Island and northern Connecticut - Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers (1-800-241-4848) – serving parts
of New York, all of New Jersey, southeastern Pennsylvania and western Connecticut - CHRISTUS Health (1-800-678-7347) – serving southeast Texas and
southwest Louisiana, and - Pacific Medical Centers (1-888-958-7347) – serving the Puget Sound area
of Washington State.
For more information about US Family Health Plan, visit www.usfamilyhealthplan.org.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Oakland
Marion, Montgomery, Inc.
713.523.7900, ext. 127
soakland@mmihouston.com
Michelle Joyner
National Military Family Association
703.931.6632, ext. 331
publicrelations@nmfa.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
—Military families report high satisfaction with benefits and
high-quality healthcare through US Family Health Plan’s provider
network—
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 8, 2006) – US Family Health Plan today reports 2006 national member satisfaction ratings of 87 percent – 22 percent higher than the national average for satisfaction with health plans as reported by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) in its Quality Compass 2006 Public Report. Results demonstrate members’ loyalty and view of the US Family Health Plan as an accessible, long-term TRICARE Prime option, sponsored by the Department of Defense (DoD) and available to military retirees, eligible retiree family members and eligible family members of active-duty personnel, including reservists and National Guard members.
A sample of members representing each TRICARE Designated Provider organization that offers US Family Health Plan rated their overall satisfaction with the Plan, customer service and the utilization of healthcare services. Rated on a scale ranging from zero to 10 (with 10 being the highest satisfaction rating), 87 percent of members rated their overall satisfaction with the Plan as an 8 or higher.
“While our members continue to report high satisfaction, we remain committed to ongoing evaluation of our customer service and delivery of care to ensure that US Family Health Plan consistently provides the highest quality healthcare to our military families,” said David Chicoine, current chair of the US Family Health Plan Alliance.
The survey reports that US Family Health Plan members are highly satisfied with their personal providers and the specialists they see through the network. In fact, member satisfaction with their personal doctors was higher for US Family Health Plan than for any other health plan nationally that reported its data through the Quality DoD-Sponsored Health Plan, Compass 2006 Public Report. US Family Health Plan members also continue to report high satisfaction with the ability to get care quickly, with their interactions with office staff, and with their providers’ listening skills, as well as the amount of time their providers spend with them and the clarity of their explanations.
Additionally, members continue to be highly satisfied with US Family Health Plan’s customer service representatives and the timeliness in which they receive resolutions to problems. Results show that for 12 straight years, US Family Health Plan continues to exceed the expectations of its members and that they are among the most satisfied health plan beneficiaries in America.
The survey was conducted by The Myers Group of Snellville, Ga., an NCQA Certified Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) Survey Vendor, using the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) 3.0H survey methodology. Developed jointly by the Agency for Healthcare Research (AHRQ) and NCQA, the CAHPS 3.0H survey is the most comprehensive tool available for assessing consumers’ experiences with their health plans.
US Family Health Plan, celebrating 25 years of serving military families, is available through networks of community-based hospitals and physicians in six areas of the country. US Family Health Plan enrollment is offered through:
- Johns Hopkins Medicine (1-800-801-9322) – serving central Maryland,
Washington D.C., and parts of Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia - Martin’s Point Health Care (1-888-241-4556) – serving Maine, Vermont,
New Hampshire and northeastern New York - Brighton Marine Health Center (1-800-818-8589) – serving Massachusetts,
including Cape Cod, plus Rhode Island and northern Connecticut - St. Vincent Catholic Medical Centers (1-800-241-4848) – serving parts
of New York, all of New Jersey, southeastern Pennsylvania and western Connecticut - CHRISTUS Health (1-800-678-7347) – serving southeast Texas and
southwest Louisiana, and - Pacific Medical Centers (1-888-958-7347) – serving the Puget Sound area
of Washington State.
For more information, visit the US Family Health Plan Web site at
www.usfamilyhealthplan.org.
# # #
Note to Editors:
CAHPS® is a registered trademark of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).
MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Oakland
Marion, Montgomery, Inc.
713.523.7900, ext. 127
soakland@mmihouston.com
—Celebration in America’s capital underscores the Plan’s commitment and service to the nation’s military health system—
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 26, 2006) – US Family Health Plan, acclaimed for member satisfaction ratings that consistently surpass national norms, today marks 25 years of service to America’s military health system with a celebration in the nation’s capital. As a valued partner of the Department of Defense (DoD), the Plan provides healthcare to nearly 100,000 military beneficiaries through six not-for-profit organizations across the United States.
“During the past quarter century, US Family Health Plan has garnered the support of the DoD and Congressional and military leaders to build a legacy of caring for uniformed services families,” says David Chicoine, chairman of the US Family Health Plan Alliance Board. “As we honor those whom we have served, and the dedicated providers who have worked with us so successfully over the past 25 years to ensure quality healthcare for our members, we renew our commitment to America’s military health system.”
US Family Health Plan is a TRICARE Prime option, or alternative to the DoD sponsored and managed healthcare system for military families. The Plan’s roots date back to 1981, when the Omnibus Reconciliation Act designated 10 U.S. Public Health Service Hospitals as U.S. Treatment Facilities (USTFs) to provide care for the uniformed services through an agreement with DoD. In 1993, that designation evolved into a fully at-risk managed healthcare plan named US Family Health Plan. The Plan’s popularity grew in the regions where it was offered. In 1996, the National Defense Authorization Act designated the USTFs as TRICARE Prime Designated Providers and made US Family Health Plan a permanent part of the military health system. US Family Health Plan care today is available to military beneficiaries on the East, Gulf and West coasts and features the same benefits as TRICARE Prime, and then some, at the same cost structure.
- US Family Health Plan benefits include:
- Thousands of network doctors and hospitals, making specialty care referrals simple
- Low cost, low co-payments (if any when applicable) and no deductibles
- Comprehensive healthcare coverage – including routine, urgent and
worldwide emergency care - Around-the-clock healthcare guidance from a 24/7 Nurse Advice Line
- Access to member’s choice of OB/GYN without referral
- No charge for preventative pediatric care
- No charge for annual physical
- Johns Hopkins Medicine (1-800-801-9322) – serving central Maryland,
Washington D.C., and parts of Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia - Martin’s Point Health Care (1-888-241-4556) – serving Maine, Vermont,
New Hampshire and northeastern New York - Brighton Marine Health Center (1-800-818-8589) – serving Massachusetts,
including Cape Cod, plus Rhode Island and northern Connecticut - St. Vincent Catholic Medical Centers (1-800-241-4848) – serving parts
of New York, all of New Jersey, southeastern Pennsylvania and western
Connecticut - CHRISTUS Health (1-800-678-7347) – serving southeast Texas and
southwest Louisiana, and - Pacific Medical Centers (1-888-958-7347) – serving the Puget Sound area
of Washington State.
For more information, visit the US Family Health Plan Web site at
www.usfamilyhealthplan.org.
# # #
MEDIA CONTACT:
Susan Oakland
Marion, Montgomery, Inc.
713.523.7900, ext. 127
soakland@mmihouston.com
January 18, 2006 - National Health Plan Marks 25 Years of Caring for Uniformed Service Families
—US Family Health Plan celebrates its commitment and service to the nation’s military health system—
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 18, 2006) – US Family Health Plan, recognized nationally for consistently high patient satisfaction ratings, marks a major milestone in 2006 in service to the nation’s military health system. As of this year, the Plan will have provided healthcare to military families for 25 years through six not-for-profit organizations across the United States. During this quarter century, the US Family Health Plan has worked as a valued partner with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and has been an integral part of the military health system by continuing to serve more than 94,000 uniformed services beneficiaries today.
US Family Health Plan’s roots date back to 1981 when the Omnibus Reconciliation Act designated 10 public health hospitals as U.S. Treatment Facilities (USTFs) to provide care for the uniformed services through an agreement with DoD.In 1993, that designation evolved into a fully at-risk managed healthcare plan named US Family Health Plan. The Plan’s popularity grew in the regions where it was offered. In 1996, the National Defense Authorization Act designated the USTFs as TRICARE Prime Designated Providers and made the US Family Health Plan a permanent part of the military health system. US Family health Plan, a comprehensive health plan designed for military families, provides the same benefits as TRICARE Prime at the same cost structure, and is offered today through the Plan’s six not-for-profit healthcare systems on the East, Gulf and West coasts.
US Family Health Plan members receive care through networks administered by Johns Hopkins Medicine (serving central Maryland, Washington D.C. and parts of Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia), Martin’s Point Health Care (serving Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and northeastern New York), Brighton Marine Health Center (serving Massachusetts, including Cape Cod, Rhode Island and northern Connecticut), St. Vincent Catholic Medical Centers (serving parts of New York, all of New Jersey, southeastern Pennsylvania and western Connecticut), CHRISTUS Health (serving Texas and Louisiana) and Pacific Medical Centers in Washington State.
“US Family Health Plan is honored to have served military families and retirees by being part of the military health system for 25 years,” said David Chicoine, chairman of the US Family Health Plan Alliance Board. “We are proud to have earned the highest beneficiary satisfaction ratings among all TRICARE providers year after year. Our anniversary celebration in 2006 will be an exciting and memorable occasion for honoring those whom we have served, and to the dedicated providers who have worked with us so successfully over the past 25 years to ensure quality healthcare for our members.”
Chicoine said the Plan would hold anniversary activities throughout the year including a dinner at the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. in April.
US Family Health Plan is a TRICARE Prime option available to families of activeduty military, National Guard, reservists, retirees and their eligible family members, including those age 65 and over, through networks of community-based hospitals and physicians in six areas of the country. US Family Health Plan enrollment is offered through:
- JOHNS HOPKINS MEDICINE 1-800-801-9322
Serving central Maryland, Washington DC and parts of Pennsylvania, Virginia and
West Virginia - MARTIN’S POINT HEALTH CARE 1-888-241-4556
Serving Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and northeastern New York - BRIGHTON MARINE HEALTH CENTER 1-800-818-8589
Serving Massachusetts, including Cape Cod, Rhode Island and northern
Connecticut - SAINT VINCENT CATHOLIC MEDICAL CENTERS 1-800-241-4848
Serving parts of New York, all of New Jersey, southeastern Pennsylvania and western
Connecticut - CHRISTUS HEALTH 1-800-678-7347
Serving southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana - PACIFIC MEDICAL CENTERS 1-888-958-7347
Serving the Puget Sound area of Washington State
For more information, visit the US Family Health Plan Web site at http://www.usfamilyhealthplan.org.
# # #
MEDIA CONTACT
David Mendel
Marion, Montgomery, Inc.
713.523.7900
david@mmihouston.com
Military families report high satisfaction with benefits and high-quality healthcare through US Family Health Plan's provider network
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 13, 2005) -US Family Health Plan today reports 2005 national member satisfaction ratings of 87 percent, receiving 25 percent higher satisfaction ratings than the national average for health plans as reported by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Results demonstrate members' loyalty and view of the US Family Health Plan as an accessible, long-term TRICARE Prime option, sponsored by the Department of Defense (DoD), that's available to military retirees, eligible retiree family members and eligible family members of active duty service men and women, including reservists and National Guard members.
"Improving patient satisfaction and providing access to high-quality healthcare are key to the overall success of the military healthcare system," said Dr. William Winkenwerder, Jr., Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs. "By listening to our beneficiaries, we gain important information as to our effectiveness in meeting these goals."
The survey, conducted by Market Street Research of Northampton, MA, reports US Family Health Plan 2005 member satisfaction ratings of 87 percent, continuing to surpass those of national HMOs, rated 62 percent. A sample of members, representing each of the TRICARE Designated Provider organizations that offer the US Family Health Plan, rated their overall satisfaction with the Plan, customer service and the utilization of healthcare services. Rated on a scale ranging from zero to 10 (10 being the highest satisfaction rating), 87 percent of members rated their overall satisfaction with the Plan eight or higher.
"While our members continue to report high satisfaction, we remain vigilant in evaluating our customer service methods and delivery of care to ensure that US Family Health Plan is consistently providing the highest quality healthcare to our military families," said Mary Cooke, chairperson for the US Family Health Plan Alliance.
The national survey reports members are highly satisfied with their personal providers and the specialists they see through US Family Health Plan. Members continue to report satisfaction during their interactions with office staff and with their providers' listening skills, as well as the amount of time they spend with patients and the clarity of their explanations. The survey also reports members' high satisfaction with the Plan's customer service representatives and the timeliness in which they receive resolutions to problems. Results show that for 11 straight years, US Family Health Plan continues to exceed the expectations of members and members are among the most satisfied health plan beneficiaries in the Country.
US Family Health Plan is a TRICARE Prime option available to families of active duty military, National Guard, reservists, retirees and their eligible family members, including those age 65 and over, through networks of community-based hospitals and physicians in six areas of the country. US Family Health Plan enrollment is offered through:
JOHNS HOPKINS COMMUNITY PHYSICIANS 1-800-808-7347
Serving central Maryland and parts of Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia
MARTIN'S POINT HEALTH CARE 1-888-241-4556
Serving Maine and New Hampshire
BRIGHTON MARINE HEALTH CENTER 1-800-818-8589
Serving Massachusetts, Rhode Island, portions of southern New Hampshire, and portions of northern Connecticut
SAINT VINCENT CATHOLIC MEDICAL CENTERS 1-800-241-4848
Serving parts of New York, all of New Jersey, southeastern Pennsylvania and western Connecticut
CHRISTUS HEALTH 1-800-678-7347
Serving southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana
PACIFIC MEDICAL CENTERS 1-888-958-7347
Serving the Puget Sound area of Washington State
For more information, visit the US Family Health Plan Web site at
www.usfamilyhealthplan.org .
August 17, 2004 - US Family Health Plan Releases Member Satisfaction Results and Enrollment Growth
National survey and sustained growth demonstrate members' long-term satisfaction with the Plan
WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 17, 2004) -US Family Health Plan today reports 2004 national member satisfaction ratings of 85 percent and enrollment growth of over four-and-a-half percent. Results demonstrate members' view of the US Family Health Plan as a long-term TRICARE Prime option available to families of active-duty military, as well as retirees and their eligible family members across the United States.
"Each year, we elect to evaluate our members' satisfaction with the Plan in order to assess our effectiveness in meeting the healthcare needs of our military families," said Kate Ryan, current chairperson for the US Family Health Plan Alliance. "We go through this rigorous process because we believe that healthcare is not delivered to the masses, it is delivered to the individual."
Conducted by Market Street Research of Northampton, MA, the US Family Health Plan 2004 satisfaction ratings are among the highest in the Plan's 11-year history at 85 percent, receiving almost 24 percent higher satisfaction ratings than the national average for health plans as reported by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. In the latest satisfaction survey, a sample of members, representing each of the TRICARE Designated Provider organizations that offer the US Family Health Plan, rated their overall satisfaction with the Plan, customer service and the utilization of health care services. Rated on a scale ranging from zero to 10 (10 being the highest satisfaction rating), 88 percent of members rated their overall satisfaction with care received as an eight or higher and 83 percent of members rated their overall satisfaction with primary care providers as an eight or higher.
"For eleven straight years, our members have evaluated the quality of care and service they've received, and we've listened. We are constantly evaluating our methods to ensure that we are delivering healthcare at the highest levels possible," said Ryan.
While members continue to express high levels of satisfaction with the Plan, the survey results also concluded that members would generally recommend the military healthcare option to others and are not intending to switch to another health plan. Members also cited that they now receive resolutions to problems in a timelier manner, and in most cases resolution wait time had been cut in half from previous years.
"Our members know that they are heard and that their healthcare options are stable - even amid national and military healthcare changes," added Ryan. "With the Plan's recent improvements and new strategic support, our members know that US Family Health Plan will always be there to provide them with reliable, high-quality healthcare and excellence in customer service."
This year, US Family Health Plan announced the expansion of services areas, renovation of key facilities and the improvement of operations. This was in response to the increasing geographic demands from the Plan's growing membership of 90,586, which is at its highest in several years. Over the past year, the Plan experienced an annualized change in enrollment of over four-and-a-half percent, seeing increases in the Baltimore, Boston, New York and Portland programs. In addition, US Family Health Plan recently appointed an executive director to provide leadership and guidance to the executive committee on strategic and operational matters. Tracy Malone, former Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, will start August 23 in Washington DC.
About the US Family Health Plan:
US Family Health Plan is a TRICARE Prime option available to families of active duty military, retirees and their eligible family members, including those age 65 and over, through networks of community-based hospitals and physicians in six areas of the country. US Family Health Plan enrollment is offered through:
JOHNS HOPKINS COMMUNITY PHYSICIANS 1-800-808-7347
Serving central Maryland and parts of Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia
MARTIN'S POINT HEALTH CARE 1-888-241-4556
Serving Maine and New Hampshire
BRIGHTON MARINE HEALTH CENTER 1-800-818-8589
Serving Massachusetts, including Cape Cod, and Rhode Island
SAINT VINCENT CATHOLIC MEDICAL CENTERS 1-800-241-4848
Serving parts of New York, all of New Jersey, southeastern Pennsylvania and western Connecticut
CHRISTUS HEALTH 1-800-678-7347
Serving southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana
PACIFIC MEDICAL CENTERS (PacMed Clinics) 1-888-958-7347
Serving the Puget Sound area of Washington State
For more information, visit the US Family Health Plan Web site at
www.usfamilyhealthplan.org .
Tracy Malone to Provide Strategic Support to the Plan Alliance
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The US Family Health Plan Alliance (www.usfamilyhealthplan.org) today announced that Tracy Malone, former Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, is joining the Alliance as executive director. Malone will start in Washington DC on August 23 and will report to the Alliance Executive Committee.
"The Alliance has been successful at providing cohesive leadership, national support, communications and integration with the DoD for the health plan's sponsoring organizations," said Marshall Bolyard, current chairperson for the US Family Health Plan Alliance. "However, as we continue to progress, we believe it is time to move the Alliance to the next level of efficiency in aligning the overall health plan with the goals of the Military Healthcare System. Tracy will be instrumental in directing our ongoing efforts to achieve these objectives."
The Alliance was created to assist the six not-for-profit healthcare systems that offer the US Family Health Plan. The Alliance is comprised of the six not-for-profit TRICARE Designated Provider organizations. The program directors of each of the organizations make up the Executive Committee and conduct the business of the Alliance. Malone, in the executive director role, will provide leadership and guidance to the Alliance Executive Committee and subcommittees on strategic and operational matters.
"I'm joining the US Family Health Plan because after 26 years in military healthcare, I'm very dedicated to staying connected to the military healthcare family," said Tracy Malone, executive director of the US Family Health Plan Alliance. "The US Family Health Plan is a high-quality program, and I look forward to leveraging the advances of the individual programs in finding common initiatives that increase the overall Plan's prominence in the industry and continued service to our military families."
Malone, a recently retired Nurse Corps Captain in the United States Navy, brings extensive experience in clinical nursing, health policy and legislative affairs to the Plan Alliance. Malone worked in the White House Medical Unit, providing advanced medical support for President Ronald Reagan and Vice President George Bush. In her most recent former role as the Chief of Staff to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and as the former Director of Regional Operations for TRICARE Management Activity, Malone was instrumental in directing support for health affairs, including all personnel, policy and advisory functions.
"Tracy is going to be a great asset to the US Family Health Plan Alliance," adds Bolyard. "Her depth of experience in healthcare policy and with congressional and legislative issues will help us to effectively create more visibility for each of the sponsoring organizations, that make up the US Family Health Plan, within the Military Healthcare System."
About the US Family Health Plan:
US Family Health Plan is a TRICARE Prime option available to families of active duty military, retirees and their eligible family members, including those age 65 and over, through networks of community-based hospitals and physicians in six areas of the country. US Family Health Plan enrollment is offered through:
JOHNS HOPKINS COMMUNITY PHYSICIANS 1-800-808-7347
Serving central Maryland and parts of Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia
MARTIN'S POINT HEALTH CARE 1-888-241-4556
Serving Maine and New Hampshire
BRIGHTON MARINE HEALTH CENTER 1-800-818-8589
Serving Massachusetts, including Cape Cod, and Rhode Island
SAINT VINCENT CATHOLIC MEDICAL CENTERS 1-800-241-4848
Serving parts of New York, all of New Jersey, southeastern Pennsylvania and western Connecticut
CHRISTUS HEALTH 1-800-678-7347
Serving southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana
PACIFIC MEDICAL CENTERS (PacMed Clinics) 1-888-958-7347
Serving the Puget Sound area of Washington State
For more information, visit the US Family Health Plan Web site at
www.usfamilyhealthplan.org .
May 6, 2004 - US Family Health Plan Thanks Military Healthcare Leaders and Advocates
Appreciation reception hosted for military associations and congressional representatives
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On March 25, US Family Health Plan hosted an appreciation reception at the Rayburn House Building. The reception themed "your constituents are thankful" was held to recognize the ongoing efforts of military associations and congressional representatives for the healthcare needs of current and retired military members and their families. In attendance were representatives from the US Family Health Plan Alliance, military association representatives and congressional staff.
The reception featured a display of member testimonials from US Family Health Plan's six not-for-profit healthcare providers across the country. Testimonials set the tone for Marshall Bolyard, US Family Health Plan's current chairman, to address the group in a short speech that emphasized the significance of the ongoing work and contributions of individuals and groups represented. Bolyard enforced the Plan's individualized approach to healthcare stating that "it is because of the dedication to your constituents' healthcare needs that we can deliver on the promise, that healthcare is not delivered to the masses, it is delivered to the individual."
US Family Health Plan recently announced the implementation of several strategic moves that improve the availability of healthcare options to military beneficiaries. Improvements include the augmentation of services in several geographic areas, operational enhancements and the completion of several key renovation efforts. To learn more, go to www.usfamilyhealthplan.org .
About the US Family Health Plan:
US Family Health Plan is a TRICARE Prime option available to families of active duty military, retirees and their eligible family members, including those age 65 and over, through networks of community-based hospitals and physicians in six areas of the country. US Family Health Plan enrollment is offered through:
JOHNS HOPKINS COMMUNITY PHYSICIANS 1-800-808-7347
Serving central Maryland and parts of Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia
MARTIN'S POINT HEALTH CARE 1-888-241-4556
Serving Maine and New Hampshire
BRIGHTON MARINE HEALTH CENTER 1-800-818-8589
Serving Massachusetts, including Cape Cod, and Rhode Island
SAINT VINCENT CATHOLIC MEDICAL CENTERS 1-800-241-4848
Serving parts of New York, all of New Jersey, southeastern Pennsylvania and western Connecticut
CHRISTUS HEALTH 1-800-678-7347
Serving southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana
PACIFIC MEDICAL CENTERS (PacMed Clinics) 1-888-958-7347
Serving the Puget Sound area of Washington State
For more information, visit the US Family Health Plan Web site at
www.usfamilyhealthplan.org .
March 17, 2004 - US Family Health Plan Enhances Service Areas, Facilities and Operations.
Program improves coverage availability for military beneficiaries in under-served markets
WASHINGTON, D.C. - US Family Health Plan ( www.usfamilyhealthplan.org ) today announced the implementation of several strategies that improve the availability of health care options to military beneficiaries. The Plan finalized the augmentation of services in several geographic areas, instigated new operational improvements and completed key renovation efforts to answer the needs of active-duty personnel, retirees and their eligible family members.
"These improvements exemplify US Family Health Plan's ongoing commitment to provide exceptional health care," said Marshall Bolyard, current chairperson for the US Family Health Plan Alliance. "We are dedicated to continually seek ways to improve and serve our military beneficiaries because our military families have earned this with their service."
Last year, each of the six US Family Health Plan programs received high member satisfaction ratings and experienced marked operational improvements. Of the six programs, five improved access to health care services to address the growing demands from beneficiaries.
At Martin's Point Health Care, based in Portland, Maine, the Plan reach was extended to cover three new market-areas including Nashua, Keene and Lebanon, NH. In these areas, the Plan contracted with Dartmouth-Hitchcock to augment the physician and hospital networks offered by Martin's Point to Plan members.
Brighton Marine Health Center, with headquarters in Boston, contracted with RiverBend Medical Group to provide local access to US Family Health Plan benefits for the thousands of military families and retirees in western Massachusetts near Westover Air Reserve and Barnes Air National Guard Bases. The RiverBend Medical Group has locations in Springfield, Chicopee, Westfield and Agawam, MA. US Family Health Plan eligibles in these areas will have access to TRICARE Prime benefits and special value-added benefits such as chiropractic care, massage therapy, and discounts on eyewear and fitness centers.
"US Family Health Plan is available through some of the Nation's top health care systems. It is our goal to continue to augment our reach and offer our military families and retirees access to world-class care closer to home," said David Chicoine, the executive director of the Brighton Marine program.
Pacific Medical Centers (PacMed) is also increasing members' hospital choices with the completion of an agreement naming Virginia Mason the preferred hospital provider for Pacific Medical Centers. Virginia Mason Medical Center is an award winning hospital and recently received the 2004 Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence, placing them among the top five percent of all acute-care hospitals in the nation.
The Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers, serving New York, New Jersey southern Connecticut and eastern Pennsylvania, completed two key initiatives including the phase one renovation to its ambulatory care site at Mitchel Field and the expansion of its physician network to approximately 6500 providers. Renovations to the Mitchel Field ambulatory care site greatly improved the patient reception and administrative areas, allowing for greater patient privacy and more efficient use of space. A Maxor satellite pharmacy also moved into the building, giving US Family Health Plan members one-stop access to all of their medical services and prescriptions.
Recently, Johns Hopkins completed some important initiatives including: a renovation project at the Wyman Park practice; an expansion at the Odenton practice; and the phase II ground breaking of a new two-story multi-specialty and primary care practice in White Marsh, Maryland, which will double the practice's existing space. At the Odenton facility, which is close to the Ft. Meade Army base, the pediatrics practice was enhanced to handle the demand from the active-duty families in the area. At Wyman Park, the former US Public Health Hospital, the internal medicine, OB/GYN and pediatrics areas were renovated and updated with new computer systems.
The new, conveniently located White Marsh practice will offer primary care from Johns Hopkins Community Physicians throughout the entire second floor of the new building. The White Marsh practice, to be completed by June, will feature a number of new services including access to specialists in geriatrics and orthopedics, as well as plastic and reconstructive surgery. US Family Health Plan members will have greater access to the world-renowned Wilmer Eye Institute at the White Marsh facility.
"At Johns Hopkins, we are very excited to see all of these new developments and operational milestones come to fruition for our US Family Health Plan members. With the addition of newly renovated facilities and improved services, our members have more convenient access to state-of-the-art medical care," said Mary Cooke, senior director at the Johns Hopkins Program.
About the US Family Health Plan:
US Family Health Plan is a TRICARE Prime option available to families of active duty military, retirees and their eligible family members, including those age 65 and over, through networks of community-based hospitals and physicians in six areas of the country. US Family Health Plan enrollment is offered through:
JOHNS HOPKINS COMMUNITY PHYSICIANS 1-800-808-7347
Serving central Maryland and parts of Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia
MARTIN'S POINT HEALTH CARE 1-888-241-4556
Serving Maine and New Hampshire
BRIGHTON MARINE HEALTH CENTER 1-888-815-5510
Serving central and eastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod, and Rhode Island
SAINT VINCENT CATHOLIC MEDICAL CENTERS 1-800-241-4848
Serving parts of New York, all of New Jersey, southeastern Pennsylvania and western Connecticut
CHRISTUS HEALTH 1-800-678-7347
Serving southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana
PACIFIC MEDICAL CENTERS (PacMed Clinics) 1-888-958-7347
Serving the Puget Sound area of Washington State
For more information, visit the US Family Health Plan Web site at
www.usfamilyhealthplan.org .
Assistant Secretary of Defense recognizes advocate leaders of military causes, reinforces commitment to members
WASHINGTON, D.C. - On September 17, the US Family Health Plan hosted its 2003 Military Associations Dinner at the Ritz Carlton in Pentagon City. The dinner was held in honor of the commitment of military associations to the well being of current and retired military members and their families serving the nation. Dinner attendees included keynote Dr. William Winkenwerder, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and the Executive Director of TRICARE, military association leaders and representatives from the US Family Health Plan Alliance.
"It was an absolute pleasure to host a dinner bringing leaders from all military branches together and to demonstrate the Plan's appreciation for our military associations, who look after the interests and needs of our uniformed services," said David Howes, MD, current chairperson for US Family Health Plan Alliance. "With the help of the military associations, we are able to provide the best, long-term health care coverage to our uniformed services, retirees and their family members."
Dr. Winkenwerder addressed the group, congratulated and acknowledged the US Family Health Plan on its 10-year anniversary and its track record in patient satisfaction. In a survey conducted by Market Street Research, US Family Health Plan achieved an 88 percent member satisfaction rating in 2003.
He also spoke of the Military Health System 'dual mission.' First, the wartime medical-readiness mission and second, the peacetime mission of delivering care to almost nine million beneficiaries. He emphasized the courage of the country's service members in battle and the courage they continue to show today in rebuilding Iraq and Afghanistan. He also honored the sacrifices of military families.
"We have a truly remarkable military. We have a fighting force that can change, literally in a matter of days, from a war-fighting machine into an army of reconstruction. Our military must be the most well-educated and well-trained military force that has ever existed," said Dr. Winkenwerder. "We are all proud of their performance and it is good that we have the opportunity to gather on occasion to remember the special people we serve."
He spoke of the challenges faced by the Military Health System and outlined the actions taking place to address them, specifically discussing the Military Health System Transformation Plan. In his speech, Dr. Winkenwerder said, "we have made great progress on our transformation initiatives over the last 18 months, and I am very optimistic about the future."
In the introductory address, US Family Health Plan directors emphasized the history of the program, dating back 22 years, as well as the Plan's dedication to work with the Department of Defense. Together, they pledged to provide solutions to problems by consistently maintaining the highest levels of excellence in customer satisfaction to the Plan's nearly 100,000 members.
"The US Family Health Plan was ultimately born in an effort to work with available public and private health care resources to solve the problems of cost containment in military health care," said Marshall Bolyard, executive director for the US Family Health Plan at CHRISTUS Health. "Our commitment is to aide in bolstering health care coverage for military beneficiaries outside of the geographic scope of the Military Healthcare System and that includes our military family serving in Iraq, as well as their families back home."
US Family Health Plan officials pledged a continuing focus of the Plan on preventive care and medical management programs to improve clinical outcomes for members. Plan officials also talked of the recent contract renewals with the DoD and the Plan's 10-year anniversary as a fully-at-risk managed care plan and TRICARE Prime option available to families of active-duty personnel, retirees and their eligible family members in six service areas across the United States.
"US Family Health Plan is strong and growing. We anticipate many years of working together with our military associations and the Military Health Care System to solve problems. We believe we've been a part of the solution and continue to look for ways to work together with DoD to enhance, embrace and encourage excellence in every way that we can," concluded Bolyard.
At the end of the program, US Family Health Plan celebrated its anniversary in a ceremonial cake cutting and took photos to commemorate the special occasion.
About the US Family Health Plan:
US Family Health Plan is a TRICARE Prime option available to families of active duty military, retirees and their eligible family members, including those age 65 and over, through networks of community-based hospitals and physicians in six areas of the country. US Family Health Plan enrollment is offered through:
JOHNS HOPKINS COMMUNITY PHYSICIANS 1-800-808-7347
Serving central Maryland and parts of Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia
MARTIN'S POINT HEALTH CARE 1-888-241-4556
Serving Maine and New Hampshire
BRIGHTON MARINE HEALTH CENTER 1-800-818-8589
Serving central and eastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod, and Rhode Island
SAINT VINCENT CATHOLIC MEDICAL CENTERS 1-800-241-4848
Serving parts of New York, all of New Jersey, southeastern Pennsylvania and western Connecticut
CHRISTUS HEALTH 1-800-678-7347
Serving southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana
PACIFIC MEDICAL CENTERS (PacMed Clinics) 1-888-958-7347
Serving the Puget Sound area of Washington State
September 24, 2003 - US Family Health Plan Renews 5-Year Contract with DoD.
Continues coverage, focuses on new healthy living programs
for military members
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 24, 2003) - US Family Health Plan today announced that it has finalized agreements to continue offering comprehensive health care coverage to uniformed services beneficiaries through contracts with the Department of Defense. Up for renewal every five years, US Family Health Plan remains a viable, long-term TRICARE Prime option available to families of active-duty personnel, retirees and their eligible family members in six service areas across the United States.
"Our Plan is here to stay," said David Howes, MD, current chairperson for US Family Health Plan Alliance. "This is US Family Health Plan's third five-year contract with the DoD and our intention is to continue to offer the outstanding coverage and benefits that we are known to provide for many more years to come."
Each designated provider of this military managed care program is required to renew contracts every five years. The highly rated health care services of the US Family Health Plan will continue to be provided through Johns Hopkins Medical Services Corp. in Maryland, Martin's Point Health Care in Maine, Brighton Marine Health Center in Massachusetts, CHRISTUS Health in southeast Texas and Pacific Medical Centers in Washington State. On a different contract signing schedule is Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers of New York, which will separately provide a contract announcement in the coming months.
"In the upcoming five years we will bring new and exciting programs to our members that will set the bar higher in health care coverage," adds Dr. Howes. "Our quest for 2003 and beyond is to focus on the healthy living of our members, with new programs that allow our members to take proactive steps to improve and maintain the quality of their lives."
In 2003, US Family Health Plan will launch a new healthy living initiative that focuses on options for improving member health standards, including preventive health and disease management programs and health information via the Web site to members. The Plan will continue to feature top-notch primary, emergency and specialist care; prescription benefits; on-site US Family Plan Patient Advocates; and 24-hour access to registered nurses.
Not withstanding national declining trends among HMOs, US Family Health Plan received an 88 percent member satisfaction rating-the highest rating among commercial and government-sponsored options. Conducted by Market Street Research, member satisfaction surveys evaluated the US Family Health Plan on coverage, benefits, plan administration, customer service and quality of care.
About the US Family Health Plan:
US Family Health Plan is a TRICARE Prime option available to families of active duty military, retirees and their eligible family members, including those age 65 and over, through networks of community-based hospitals and physicians in six areas of the country.
US Family Health Plan enrollment is offered through:
JOHNS HOPKINS COMMUNITY PHYSICIANS 1-800-808-7347
Serving central Maryland and parts of Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia
MARTIN'S POINT HEALTH CARE 1-888-241-4556
Serving Maine and New Hampshire
BRIGHTON MARINE HEALTH CENTER 1-800-818-8589
Serving central and eastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod, and Rhode Island
SAINT VINCENT CATHOLIC MEDICAL CENTERS 1-800-241-4848
Serving parts of New York, all of New Jersey, southeastern Pennsylvania and western Connecticut
CHRISTUS HEALTH 1-800-678-7347
Serving southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana
PACIFIC MEDICAL CENTERS (PacMed Clinics) 1-888-958-7347
Serving the Puget Sound area of Washington State
For more information, visit the US Family Health Plan Web site at
www.usfamilyhealthplan.org .
Testimonial and national survey results demonstrate members'
satisfaction with the Health Plan
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 23, 2003) -US Family Health Plan today reports 2003 member satisfaction ratings of 88 percent, which for the tenth straight year, is significantly higher than the national average for health plans as reported by the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Demonstrated by member testimonials and the latest survey results, US Family Health Plan remains a viable and stable TRICARE Prime option available to families of active-duty military, retirees and their eligible family members across the United States.
Withstanding national declining trends among HMOs, US Family Health Plan 2003 satisfaction ratings are the highest in the Plan's 10-year history and almost 27 percent higher than the national average and 21 percent rating higher than other government-sponsored military options.
Long-time member and wife of military-retiree, Edith Personette cites the Plan's doctors, home health option and rehabilitation coverage as the primary reason for satisfaction with US Family Health Plan.
"The excellent medical care received during a recent serious illness in my family was beyond my highest expectations," said Edith Personette, US Family Health Plan member. "Our doctor has been extremely attentive and the availability of home-health options were critical for recovery. We are very happy and will continue to stay with our plan. Whatever need we've had, we have been covered by the US Family Health Plan."
In the satisfaction survey, members rated their overall satisfaction with the health plan using a scale ranging from zero to 10, 10 being the highest satisfaction rating. Nearly 88 percent rated their overall satisfaction with the plan as an 8 or higher on a 10 point scale. Nearly 86 percent rated their primary care providers an 8 or higher and nearly 90 percent are extremely satisfied with the care they receive through the US Family Health Plan. These ratings are significantly higher than the national average of satisfaction for HMOs, which report only 62 percent of members rate their overall satisfaction with plans eight or higher on a 10-point scale.
US Family Health Plan serves its more than 90,000 members from six geographic service areas in the United States through affiliated hospitals and health care systems. Member satisfaction is attributed to the organization's history of providing care for military eligibles; prescription benefits; on-site US Family Plan Patient Advocates in each region; 24-hour access to registered nurses; preventative health and disease management enhancements and home-health options.
"Serving our members' needs is at the core of our Health Plan philosophy," said David Chicoine, current chairperson for US Family Health Plan Alliance. "Our military and their families deserve the best coverage available-and personalized care is the key to our member's satisfaction. We believe that our membership grows stronger because our Health Plan offers consistency in care, excellence in service and options that people really need. These are qualities that are almost absent in our industry today."
The survey was conducted by Market Street Research of Northampton, MA. Member satisfaction results were determined by a range of plan-related issues gathered through the survey including coverage, benefits, plan administration and customer services¾as well as the quality of health care members receive.
About the US Family Health Plan:
US Family Health Plan is a TRICARE Prime option available to families of active duty military, retirees and their eligible family members, including those age 65 and over, through networks of community-based hospitals and physicians in six areas of the country.
US Family Health Plan enrollment is offered through:
JOHNS HOPKINS COMMUNITY PHYSICIANS 1-800-808-7347
Serving central Maryland and parts of Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia
MARTIN'S POINT HEALTH CARE 1-888-241-4556
Serving Maine and New Hampshire
BRIGHTON MARINE HEALTH CENTER 1-800-818-8589
Serving central and eastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod, and Rhode Island
SAINT VINCENT CATHOLIC MEDICAL CENTERS 1-800-241-4848
Serving parts of New York, all of New Jersey, southeastern Pennsylvania and western Connecticut
CHRISTUS HEALTH 1-800-678-7347
Serving southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana
PACIFIC MEDICAL CENTERS (PacMed Clinics) 1-888-958-7347
Serving the Puget Sound area of Washington State
For more information, visit the US Family Health Plan Web site at
www.usfamilyhealthplan.org .
American reservists serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom now have healthcare options for families at home
WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 17, 2003) – The Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (US Family Health Plan) announces the eligibility of activated reservists' family members for healthcare benefits—effective immediately. A TRICARE Prime option, US Family Health Plan is available to families of active-duty military, retirees and their eligible family members in six geographic service areas across the United States.
"We are pleased to offer peace-of-mind in the way of health coverage to the thousands of family members of mobilized reservists," said David Chicoine, current chairperson for US Family Health Plan Alliance. "Our goal is to offer immediate support to active-duty reservists and their family members."
Under the plan, active-duty reservists' family members are eligible to receive access to virtually free healthcare, including a large network of primary care doctors and specialists, prescription drug coverage, emergency care and value-added discounts for the health of eyes, ears and teeth.
For eligibility, reserve component service members must be called to active duty for more than 30 days. Family members that live in one of the US Family Health Plan service areas can enroll in the Plan by calling member services. US Family Health Plan
is available through John's Hopkins in Maryland, Martin's Point Health Care in Maine, Brighton Marine Health Center in Massachusetts, Saint Vincent Catholic Medical Centers of New York, Christus Health in southeast Texas and Pacific Medical Centers in Washington State. Once enrolled, reservists' family members are eligible for coverage until the reservists' orders for active duty are cancelled.
"The US Family Health Plan has a history of member satisfaction. We are always striving to make the enrollment process for premium healthcare coverage as clear and as simple as possible for our members," added Chicoine. "The men and women in our armed services give so much to our country, and we are pleased to serve them and offer their families easy access to some of the best coverage and resources available in healthcare."
For US Family Health Plan information go to www.usfamilyhealthplan.org or call the program in your area to enroll, ask questions or receive an explanation of benefits and eligibility.
About the US Family Health Plan:
US Family Health Plan is a TRICARE Prime option available to families of active duty military, retirees and their eligible family members, including those age 65 and over, through networks of community-based hospitals and physicians in six areas of the country.
US Family Health Plan enrollment is offered through:
JOHNS HOPKINS COMMUNITY PHYSICIANS 1-888-400-4200
Serving central Maryland and parts of Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia
MARTIN'S POINT HEALTH CARE 1-888-241-4556
Serving Maine and New Hampshire
BRIGHTON MARINE HEALTH CENTER 1-800-818-8589
Serving central and eastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod, and Rhode Island
SAINT VINCENT CATHOLIC MEDICAL CENTERS 1-800-241-4848
Serving parts of New York, all of New Jersey, southeastern Pennsylvania and western Connecticut
CHRISTUS HEALTH 1-800-678-7347
Serving southeast Texas and southwest Louisiana
PACIFIC MEDICAL CENTERS (PacMed Clinics) 1-888-958-7347
Serving the Puget Sound area of Washington State
For more information, visit the US Family Health Plan Web site at
www.usfamilyhealthplan.org .
Recent Press Coverage
Note: All links below are PDFs and open in new windows
» Uniformed Services Journal - November-December 2007
» Uniformed Services Journal - September-October 2007
» Uniformed Services Journal - July-August 2007
» Uniformed Services Journal - May-June 2007
» Uniformed Services Journal - March-April 2007
» Uniformed Services Journal - November-December 2006
» USM Institute - December 2006
» Airforce Times - November 2006
» U.S. Medicine - November 2006
» Marine Corps Gazette - October 2006
» Officer Magazine - July-August 2006
» Uniformed Services Journal - July-August 2006
