DELAWARE'S MEDICAID MANAGED CARE PROGRAM REACHES AGREEMENT WITH UNITED HEALTHCARE AND IS FINALIZING CONTRACT WITH HIGHMARK

NEW CASTLE (Oct. 15, 2014) - The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with United Healthcare to continue its partnership with the Delaware Medicaid program, which began in 2007. In addition, DHSS is in the process of finalizing a contract with Highmark to join the Medicaid program effective January 1, 2015.

"We are pleased that we could reach agreement with United Healthcare and Highmark," DHSS Secretary Rita Landgraf said. "We are confident that each will bring tremendous service to our Medicaid clients." Both contracts are for three years.

DHSS was unable to reach agreement on financial terms with Delaware Physicians Care, Inc. (DPCI), and DPCI will no longer be a Medicaid managed care organization after December 31, 2014.

"We are working to help make the transition of DPCI clients to one of the other providers as seamless as possible," said Secretary Landgraf. "I want to assure members that there will be continuity of care, and we will work to transition clients who will leave DPCI."

Medicaid Director Steve Groff said the state's 230,000 Medicaid clients will receive more information in the next several weeks about their options for choosing a new plan that will continue their benefits starting January 1, 2015.

"We appreciate the partnership we have shared with Delaware Physicians Care and the quality services it has provided to members the past 10 years," Groff said. "We look forward to working with United Healthcare and Highmark on a smooth transition of DPCI clients and to a fruitful and productive working relationship as we serve our fellow Delawareans."

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.