FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 16, 2011
Network Health Appoints Vice President of Operations
(Medford, Mass.) — Network Health, a Massachusetts health plan that provides high-quality health care coverage to more than 170,000 Massachusetts residents with low and moderate incomes, announced today that it has appointed Winthrop resident Michelle Bernard as vice president of operations. Bernard most recently served as Network Health senior director of operations, and previously served as the health plan’s director of claims.
Bernard oversees Network Health’s operations, including payment policies, claims processing, business configuration and database systems, building and office services, and customer service operations. Bernard also provides senior leadership for operational management and improvement; and directs all operations as they relate to the health plan’s external stakeholders, including providers, members, MassHealth, and the Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority.
“Michelle provides invaluable leadership in developing and improving Network Health’s business operations,” said Christina Severin, Network Health president. “Under her direction, Network Health’s customer service and claims teams have been formally recognized for exceptional service. I look forward to working with Michelle and her team as we evolve and expand our operational capabilities.”
Bernard has more than 20 years experience in managed care and claims operations, including inventory management, workflow and process improvements, project management, system integration, and customer service. Prior to joining Network Health, Bernard served as director of claims at Neighborhood Health Plan; claims manager at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts; and claims supervisor at Bay State Health Care.
Bernard earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Southeastern Massachusetts University (now University of Massachusetts Dartmouth).
About Network Health
Since 1997, Network Health has provided Massachusetts residents with low and moderate incomes access to high-quality health care. Based in Medford, Mass., Network Health is a comprehensive health plan serving members through its Network Health Together® (MassHealth) and Network Health Forward ® (Commonwealth Care) plans.
Network Health provides Network Health Together members all the benefits of MassHealth, plus free EXTRAS. Network Health’s Commonwealth Care plan extends access to affordable health care for qualified Massachusetts residents 19 years old or older who earn at or below 300% of the federal poverty level, or up to $32,496 a year for an individual (up to $66,156 a year for a family of four). In addition to core health care benefits, Network Health offers Network Health Forward members free EXTRAS designed to encourage wellness.
To improve the health and well-being of its members and their diverse communities, Network Health offers fully integrated, in-house care management, providing a team of medical, behavioral health, social care, and pharmacy professionals who coordinate member care, and partners with 20,000 primary care providers, specialists, hospitals, and community organizations.
Network Health earned National Committee for Quality Assurance’s (NCQA) “Excellent” Health Plan Accreditation, NCQA’s highest accreditation rating, for its Network Health Together plan. Network Health is also ranked fifth among all Medicaid health plans nationally, according to NCQA’s Health Insurance Plan Rankings 2010 – 2011 – Medicaid. Additionally, Network Health is nationally recognized for its innovative programs and received a Case In Point Platinum Award for “Best Overall Case/Care Management Program” from Dorland Health. Network Health also has the Top Leadership Team among health plans nationally, according to HealthLeaders Media.
Individuals must be eligible for MassHealth to join Network Health Together, a MassHealth plan. To learn about MassHealth eligibility, Massachusetts residents can call the MassHealth Enrollment Center at 888-665-9993 (TTY: 888-665-9997), Monday through Friday, from 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. Once enrolled, MassHealth members can learn about their MassHealth health plan options by calling MassHealth customer service at 800-841-2900 (TTY: 800-497-4648), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To learn about Commonwealth Care health plan options, Massachusetts residents can call Commonwealth Care customer service at 877-MA-ENROLL or 877-623-6765 (TTY: 877-623-7773), Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or they can visit www.mahealthconnector.org.
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