New Missouri Rural Health Program Directs Resources to Rural Communities to Improve Social Care Outcomes

The Missouri HealthNet Division introduces a new care model that utilizes the Unite Us Payments solution to create sustainability for rural hospitals

Jefferson, Missouri–(Newsfile Corp. – February 14, 2024) – Salem Memorial District Hospital, Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare, Bothwell Regional Health Center, Phelps Health, Citizens Memorial Hospital, and Ray County Memorial Hospital, today announced a partnership with the Missouri HealthNet Division, which administers Missouri’s Medicaid program, and Unite Us, the national partner for social care improving community health and well-being through technology. This collaboration will enhance the rollout of the Transformation of Rural Community Health (ToRCH) program, a new model of care that will transform existing social care funding and create a new path for rural hospitals to improve clinical outcomes within the Medicaid population. The program will also address critical social care challenges that comprise individuals’ ability to maintain their health and effectively manage chronic conditions.

The ToRCH program is a groundbreaking initiative that empowers rural communities to address healthcare-related social needs among their Medicaid populations, with a laser focus on driving better health outcomes. One of the key cornerstones of the program is the Unite Us Platform. This secure and reliable digital solution enables participating organizations to send and receive electronic referrals while tackling Medicaid participants’ social needs. Through Unite Us’ Payments, partners can manage eligibility and authorization, send referrals to contracted providers, securely track outcomes and document services, generate invoices, and efficiently manage reimbursement of social care services.

“We’re witnessing healthcare systems recognize the power community organizations have to improve health outcomes and address health equity in a way clinical care alone can’t,” said Bobbie Bohnsack, Director of Customer Success at Unite Us. “Our collaboration with Missouri Healthnet Division to enhance the rollout of the ToRCH program through Unite Us Payments will streamline the implementation and management of paid social care programs for healthcare funders, including health plans and managed-care organizations.”

The ToRCH Program and Unite Us will holistically address drivers of health (SDoH) by screening for health-related social needs (HRSN) and connecting Medicaid recipients with select community-based organizations funded to provide social services. By addressing the social needs of Medicaid recipients, ToRCH aims to improve population health outcomes and achieve cost savings.

Missouri HealthNet Division is a division of the Missouri Department of Social Services and offers Medicaid healthcare coverage for eligible Missourians.

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“We are thrilled to partner with Unite Us on the rollout of the ToRCH program to establish community hubs that serve as regional leads to direct strategy and coordinate efforts of healthcare providers, community-based organizations, and social service agencies within a designated rural community,” said Kirk Mathews, Chief Transformation Officer at Missouri HealthNet Division.

Nonprofits, community-based organizations, and other providers who want to connect clients and patients to services of the ToRCH program within Unite Us’ network can reach out to uniteus.com/contact/.

About Missouri HealthNet

Missouri HealthNet is a division of the Missouri Department of Social Services and offers Medicaid healthcare coverage for eligible Missourians. MO HealthNet’s vision is Together we will build a best-in-class Medicaid program that addresses the needs of Missouri’s most-vulnerable in a way that is financially sustainable.

About Unite Us

Over a decade ago, Unite Us pioneered the first closed-loop referral platform tailored specifically for veterans and their families. Today, leveraging our comprehensive suite of software and services, we unite more than 1,000 customers across the country. Our mission is to facilitate accountable connections to care for anyone in need, empowering government, healthcare, and local community-based organizations to thrive and focus on what they do best. Through cutting-edge technology, we seamlessly bring communities together, predicting, delivering, and facilitating payment for community-based social care. Our platform encompasses over one million services, boasting the industry’s largest outcome-focused community network. Our award-winning experience distinguishes us, positioning Unite Us as the unparalleled partner for social care. Follow Unite Us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and Facebook.

Missouri HealthNet ToRCH Contact
Melissa.K.Hope@dss.mo.gov

Unite Us Media Contact
jaquetta.gooden@uniteus.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/197178