Press Releases: 2011

AmeriHealth Mercy Executive Says ACA is 'Generational Opportunity' to Improve Women's Health

November 15, 2011
PHILADELPHIA, PA – The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a generational opportunity and once-in-a-lifetime paradigm change to today's complex health care delivery system that can result in significant opportunities for women, particularly those with low incomes, who will see an increase in access to quality health care and improved health outcomes.

That was the message delivered today by Anne Morrissey, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies, during a panel presentation at a forum held by Dilworth Paxson and Drexel University College of Medicine's Institute for Women's Health and Leadership. The other members of the panel were Owen Montgomery, MD, Chair, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Drexel University College of Medicine; Katherine M. Keefe, Chair, Health Care Practice, Dilworth Paxson; and Lynn H. Yeakel, Director, Drexel University College of Medicine’s Institute for Women's Health and Leadership.

 "These changes present challenges and opportunities for us to improve the quality and availability of preventive health care for all women - regardless of socioeconomic status," Morrissey said

The ACA, an overhaul of the nation's health care system signed into law by President Obama in 2010, is scheduled to take effect in 2014. The constitutionality of the law has been challenged and the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to hear the case in March.

During today's forum, Morrissey spoke about the specific health issues that women face and said that health care often gets put off, particularly by those with low incomes, because of costs.

"If you're considered low-income or among the working poor, your own health care needs often take a backseat to other priorities, like paying the rent, feeding and clothing your children and maintaining trustworthy childcare," she said. "Under the Affordable Care Act, the coverage available to women will be more comprehensive than it is today."

"ACA will provide women with affordable access to some services, particularly preventive services to help them stay healthy or detect problems earlier," she said. "For example, under the new law, women will no longer be charged co-pays for preventive services such as mammograms, cervical cancer screenings, immunizations, and annual physical exams."

Today's event focused on new ways researchers and clinicians approach women's health issues, how the insurance mandate and the expanding Medicaid program will impact women in the Greater Philadelphia region, and other emerging trends and opportunities in women's health.

Morrissey said there will be challenges with the increase in Medicaid enrollment under ACA when eligibility for Medicaid expands to include all non-Medicare eligible individuals under the age of 65 with incomes up to about $15,000 a year and with 54 percent of uninsured women expected to become eligible for Medicaid benefits under the new law beginning in 2014.

Those challenges include a potential shortage of doctors, particularly in OB/GYN practices and hospital obstetric units. She said that as a Medicaid managed care organization, AmeriHealth Mercy is already working to address the issue through programs such as increasing the participation of Certified Nurse Midwives and Certified Registered Nurse Practitioners; engaging patients in their own care through outreach and education particularly during maternity; and by deploying mobile mammography vans into communities.

"At AmeriHealth Mercy, we see the ACA as an opportunity for us all to collaborate on ways to expand education and outreach, build and support strong provider networks, and deliver high-value, affordable and accessible care to all women -- especially to those who are the most vulnerable," Morrissey said.

About AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies
The AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies is one of the nation's leaders in health care solutions for the underserved. AmeriHealth operates in 11 states and serves more than 4 million Medicaid, Medicare and SCHIP members through its Medicaid managed care products, pharmaceutical benefit management services, behavioral health services, and other administrative services. Headquartered in Philadelphia, AmeriHealth Mercy is a mission-driven company with more than 25 years of experience serving low-income and chronically ill populations.