Austin Providers Earn Prestige as Superior HealthPlan's First Foster Care Centers of Excellence
Superior HealthPlan, a leading managed care organization in Texas and a subsidiary of Centene, has recently elevated the standard of care for children in foster care by designating two prominent healthcare providers in Austin as Foster Care Centers of Excellence. CommUnityCare Health Centers and Dell Children's Medical Group have earned this prestigious title, joining a select group that aims to provide outstanding healthcare services to foster youth. Dr. Susan Mills, the Senior Vice President of Population Health Clinical Operations at Superior, pointed out the organization's dedication to ensuring that children in foster care receive holistic, high-quality healthcare alongside essential support services.
The Foster Care Center of Excellence initiative was launched in 2017, aiming to uplift the healthcare provided to foster care members in the STAR Health Medicaid program. To qualify as a Center of Excellence, healthcare providers must meet over 30 rigorous criteria, including implementational strategies for quality improvement and adequate staffing. According to Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, CEO of CommUnityCare Health Centers, this recognition not only highlights their commitment to accessible care in Central Texas but also emphasizes the necessity of consistent, high-quality medical services for children facing multi-faceted health challenges.
Dell Children's Medical Group, part of the esteemed Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, similarly underscored its commitment to the cause. Dr. Alefiyah Malbari, who leads the Pediatric Division, reaffirmed their dedication to offering extensive care for children from infancy to adolescence. Their services encompass both routine health checks and specialized care, catering to the unique needs of children in foster care.
CommUnityCare operates over 30 federally qualified health centers throughout Central Texas and is honored to serve individuals regardless of their insurance status or financial situation. This accessibility is vital for the many families and children who might otherwise face barriers to care. In 2024 alone, CommUnityCare served over 143,000 patients, demonstrating its critical role in the community. The organization has been recognized for its outstanding service, receiving a Silver Badge from the Health Resources and Services Administration for placing in the top 20% nationally in clinical quality.
Dell Children's Medical Group focuses on comprehensive, family-centered pediatric care. They maintain a network that provides seamless connections to specialty pediatric care, ensuring that their patients receive the highest standard of medical attention when required. Their collaboration with Dell Children’s Medical Center and the UT Health Austin fosters a commitment to evidence-based practice while addressing the children's various health needs holistically.
The designation of CommUnityCare and Dell Children's Medical Group as Centers of Excellence marks an important milestone in Texas's approach to foster care health services. It paves the way for more innovative practices that support the overall health and stability of children in the foster care system. With a growing list of thirteen designated Foster Care Centers of Excellence throughout Texas, Superior HealthPlan continues to set the bar high for quality care in the state, enhancing the well-being of vulnerable children and their families. This initiative is more than just a recognition; it is a fundamental part of a larger mission that aims to revolutionize the health landscape for children in foster care across Texas. By ensuring that critical healthcare services are not only accessible but tailored to meet their complex needs, Superior HealthPlan, along with CommUnityCare and Dell Children's, are truly making a difference in the lives of those who need it most.