JOHNSTOWN, Pa., Aug. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Conemaugh Health System, west central Pennsylvania’s largest and most comprehensive health care provider, today announced it has agreed to participate with Ion Health, Pennsylvania’s newest Medicaid managed health care plan, to provide quality health care services to more than 10,000 Medicaid-eligible Cambria County residents. Ion Health will offer healthcare plans that are specifically designed to provide a higher level of access and service at lower cost to taxpayers.
“With the Conemaugh Health System joining the Ion Health panel of providers, new Ion members will have access to our physicians and to a full range of our services,” said Richard Salluzzo, MD, Conemaugh’s Chief Executive Officer. “This provides them with a better and more consistent level of health care than they are currently receiving. It also enables us, as a non- profit organization, to better serve all of our communities in a more cost- effective manner.” Dr. Salluzzo noted that Conemaugh Health System has incurred more than $122 million in uncompensated care costs over the last five years.
Ion Health is targeting Cambria County’s 10,819 Medicaid-eligible recipients who are not currently signed up with any healthcare plan. These recipients traditionally rely on higher-cost healthcare options like hospital emergency rooms, when a family member becomes ill or needs other medical attention. Medicaid health plans like Ion Health actively reduce that reliance, promoting preventive healthcare programs, and directing enrollees to seek attention from their regular doctors, thus providing them with quality care at a contained cost.
Conemaugh’s participation on the Ion Health panel enables Ion Health members to choose from a complete variety of medical services, including specialties such as heart, vascular, cancer, neuroscience, and women’s care. “Conemaugh offers our members an unparalleled benefit,” said Michael Nelson, President of Ion Health Holdings. “It is the leading health care provider throughout the areas it serves; we are honored to be working with them to bring better health care to thousands of people in Cambria County in a way that truly benefits everyone in the community.”
Initial enrollment has already begun, with Ion Health officials targeting 3,000 Cambria County Medicaid recipients signing up within the first six months. Those recipients may sign up at the Cambria County Assistance Office, as well as sites throughout the community where Ion Health representatives will be present. More information is available from the company at 1.888.ION.4YOU (1.888.466.4968).
Conemaugh Health System
CONTACT: Amy Bradley of Conemaugh Health System, +1-814-534-3121,abradle@conemaugh.org
Web site: http://www.conemaugh.org/
