Healthfirst Launches its HIV Special Needs Plan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) May 13, 2003 -- Healthfirst, a New York City-based, not-for-profit managed care organization, today announced the launch of its HIV Medicaid managed care program, the Special Needs Plan. Specifically tailored for people living with HIV/AIDS, it marks the first time a managed care company offers specialized medical coverage to them and their dependents (up to age 19 who may or may not be infected).

This unique program connects the Special Needs Plan members with HIV specialists and other trained doctors, and assigns a Personal Case Manager to assist with all phases of the person�s emotional, physical, and psychological needs. Our intense quality of care program is aimed at improving the health status of people living with HIV/AIDS through the enhancement of clinical monitoring and evaluation of HIV specific indicators, various internal and external focus studies, communication to member and providers, and integration of member feedback about the care and services they receive.



�A key benefit of the Special Needs Plan is the detailed attention of a specialist combined with the personalized care of a Case Manager,� said Dr. Jay Schechtman, Healthfirst Chief Medical Officer. �Members will be comforted knowing someone is looking out for them, and that our case managers will be there to assist in whatever way possible�. Said Gail Purvis, Healthfirst Director for the Special Needs Plan.



Special Needs Plan benefits include:

� Inpatient and outpatient hospital services at many of New York�s top hospitals and medical centers including outpatient testing, laboratory testing, and x-rays

� Preventive healthcare and screenings, routine physical exams including gynecological care (OB/GYN)

� Complete medical care during and after pregnancy

�Complete medical care for infants and children including �well baby care�, immunizations, and routine well child visits

�Nursing and home healthcare services

�Mental health services

�Alcohol and substance abuse treatment

�Vision care including eye exams and glasses

�Hearing services including hearing aids

�Family planning services

Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Nassau County residents qualify for the Special Needs Plan if they have tested positive for HIV/AIDS, and are Medicaid eligible.

Healthfirst, established in 1994 and based in lower Manhattan, is a non-profit managed care organization that is owned by over 20 of the most prestigious hospitals and medical centers in the New York area. Healthfirst is one of New York�s fastest growing managed care organizations offering government programs, including Medicaid, Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus, Medicare and union services.

For more information about the Special Needs Plan, call 1-866-4You-SNP)

1-866-496-8767. For other Healthfirst programs, please call 1-866-GO-FOR HF or visit http://www.healthfirstny.com.



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