#United States #Columbia #Health Care #AbsoluteCare #CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

AbsoluteCare and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Partnership Expansion

AbsoluteCare, a renowned leader in value-based healthcare, has recently announced the significant extension of its partnership with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, one of the country’s major not-for-profit healthcare organizations. This strategic collaboration aims to enhance healthcare access and quality for Maryland's Dual Special Needs Plan (DSNP) members, who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. By combining resources and expertise, both entities aim to improve health outcomes for some of the most vulnerable populations.

A Commitment to Quality Care

The expansion represents a mutual dedication to addressing the healthcare needs of at-risk populations in Maryland. AbsoluteCare's innovative Beyond Medicine™ model integrates various health services—medical, behavioral, and social support—to tackle the intricate issues faced by its members, such as housing instability and food insecurity, which are often overlooked in conventional care practices.

Michael Radu, CEO of AbsoluteCare, underscored the importance of this partnership: "Expanding our collaboration with CareFirst—an organization that shares our vision of equitable, comprehensive care—is a pivotal move in our growth strategy. Together, we are dismantling systemic barriers that hinder the health of Maryland's chronically ill and underserved citizens."

Enhancing Community Health

CareFirst has established itself as a vital part of Maryland's healthcare ecosystem, providing services to diverse communities. The partnership with AbsoluteCare emphasizes a holistic approach to community health that is grounded in coordination between private, public, and community sectors. This cooperative model is designed to ensure that residents across Maryland’s 23 counties receive accessible and high-quality healthcare tailored to their unique needs.

Mike Rapach, CEO of CareFirst Community Health Plan, noted, "This expanded partnership allows us to support a more integrated, community-based approach to healthcare for those who will benefit most. Our collaborative efforts are making healthcare more accessible and affordable by connecting members to comprehensive services that cater to their overall well-being."

Proven Success in Care

AbsoluteCare's commitment to improved health outcomes is evident in its impressive track record. Over the past three years, more than 95% of its CareFirst members have accessed their annual preventive visits, a crucial indicator of access to effective primary care services. The organization has achieved a 5-Star rating for services like breast cancer screenings and diabetic eye exams. Additionally, AbsoluteCare maintains an average performance rate of at least 79% for controlling hypertension, conducting colorectal cancer screenings, and ensuring timely follow-ups after hospitalizations.

These accomplishments reflect AbsoluteCare’s dedicated and personalized approach to managing the needs of complex CareFirst members. With the partnership expansion, even more individuals with extensive care requirements throughout Maryland will gain access to specialized healthcare services, further enhancing their health and quality of life.

About CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

With 87 years of service, CareFirst stands as an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. This not-for-profit healthcare company offers a broad range of health insurance products and administrative services to approximately 3.5 million individuals and employers in Maryland and beyond. In a commendable commitment to community welfare, CareFirst allocated $403 million in 2024 to regional initiatives aimed at improving public health and promoting equitable, affordable healthcare access.

About AbsoluteCare

Headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, AbsoluteCare specializes in value-based integrated healthcare, focusing on providing comprehensive and preventive care to vulnerable populations. Operating through a risk-bearing, PCP-driven care model, AbsoluteCare targets complex health challenges faced by high-risk individuals, addressing issues such as behavioral health and social determinants of health. With services across multiple markets including Baltimore, Chicago, and New Orleans, AbsoluteCare is committed to improving health outcomes for those who disproportionately consume healthcare resources due to their complex needs.

For more information, visit www.absolutecare.com.