WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Members of the National Association of Urban-Based HMOs (NAUHMO) have voted unanimously in favor of a resolution that changes the organization's name to Medicaid Health Plans of America (MHPOA).
The Board of Directors also announced that it had unanimously selected Thomas L. Johnson to become Executive Director, replacing Cheryl Townsel who resigned August 30, 2004.
Medicaid Health Plans of America (http://www.mhpoa.org/) is the only association dedicated to promoting innovation in Medicaid Managed Care plans. They provide leadership, proactive advocacy, expertise and commitment to those healthcare plans who are working hard to improve the healthcare of the chronically underserved. The industry represented by MHPOA serves over 26 million individuals who are covered by Medicaid and Medicare.
As MHPOA's membership has grown over the past few years, it became evident that the original name, National Association of Urban-Based HMOs, did not adequately reflect the scope and nature of the organization's mission.
MHPOA members provide quality, affordable care to all Medicaid participants, not just those located in urban areas. As the primary association representing these plans, MHPOA will continue to be the catalyst for enhancing the public-private partnership that shapes Medicaid policy and programs now and into the future.
Mr. Johnson comes to MHPOA from member plan D.C. Chartered Health Plan, where he spent over four years, most recently as Vice President of External Affairs and Compliance. Mr. Johnson served as Treasurer of NAUHMO for two years and also served as Board Chair of the D.C. Association of Health Maintenance Organizations for two years, receiving the 2003 Leadership award from that organization. Mr. Johnson has also served as the President of the D.C. Hospital Association and held positions with the Medical Society of the District of Columbia and the Washington Board of Trade,
Commenting on the name change and his appointment, Mr. Johnson said, "We believe the work these plans are doing is vitally important and our role is to support their efforts and represent their needs to those audiences who can make a difference. Our previous name did not adequately reflect the scope and nature of the members we serve. I am pleased with the new name and I am looking forward to furthering our mission and expanding our reach."
Both the name change and Mr. Johnson's appointment are effective immediately.
About MHPOA: Medicaid Health Plans of America (MHPOA), formerly NAUHMO, is a nationally recognized association that is the voice for urban- and rural- based healthcare networks serving vulnerable and underserved communities. Medicaid Health Plans of America is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to serving medical, health, and social/economic needs. MHPOA's primary focus is providing sound research, analysis, and forums that support the development of effective policy solutions to best provide for Medicaid and Medicare patients, as well as low-income-earning individuals and families seeking quality healthcare from managed care organizations.
CONTACT: Thomas L. Johnson, Executive Director of Medicaid Health Plans of America, +1-202-861-1468; or Susan Prince of Cadence Marketing, +1-301-493-9833, for Medicaid Health Plans of America.
Medicaid Health Plans of AmericaCONTACT: Thomas L. Johnson, Executive Director of Medicaid Health Plansof America, +1-202-861-1468; or Susan Prince of Cadence Marketing,+1-301-493-9833, for Medicaid Health Plans of America
Web site: http://www.mhpoa.org/