ERIE, Pa., April 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Ion Health, Pennsylvania’s newest Medicaid Health Plan, today announced it has been given state approval to begin enrolling Medicaid clients throughout Erie County. Ion Health has begun its effort to sign up members, and provide thousands of Medicaid recipients throughout the county with healthcare that is specifically designed to provide a higher level of access and service at lower cost to taxpayers.
Ion Health enters the market with the approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, and with a network of more than 300 Erie County doctors and many dentists, all dedicated to providing a high level of quality medical care. It will also provide recipients with a neighborhood-based network of vision and dental care providers and a drug program that covers prescription and over-the-counter medications.
“Medicaid clients will work with their primary care physicians to receive quality care when they join our program,” said Anthony Horbal, Ion Health’s Chief Executive Officer. “We intend to become a presence in our community and enroll Medicaid eligible individuals in a system that provides the right care at the right time for every family member. This will give many of our members a more complete level of protection than they have ever had before.”
Ion Health is initially targeting 24,218 Medicaid recipients throughout Erie County 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.
“Getting people to take advantage of the benefits offered by healthcare organizations like Ion Health benefits both the recipients and all taxpayers,” said Erie County Executive Rick Schenker. “By simultaneously increasing the level of care and decreasing the amount of money needed to achieve it, it becomes a true win-win for everyone. We are pleased to welcome Ion Health to the community, and look forward to working with them.”
Initial enrollment has already begun, with Ion Health officials targeting 3,000 Erie County Medicaid recipients signing up within the first six months. Those recipients may sign up at the Erie 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).
Ion Health
CONTACT: Gina M. Cunningham, Ion Health, +1-814-874-3098 x 235