AMERIGROUP'S D.C. Health Plan Forms Unique Partnership With the Greater Washington Urban League to Increase Access to Well-Child Programs.

Business Editors/Health & Medical Writers

WASHINGTON, D.C.--(BW HealthWire)--Feb. 20, 2001

AMERIGROUP Corporation's D.C. health plan and the Greater Washington Urban League, Inc. (GWUL) have formed a unique partnership to enhance outreach services for AMERICAID Community Care's Early & Periodic Screening, Diagnosis & Treatment initiative in the District of Columbia.

AMERICAID is the Medicaid health care product of AMERIGROUP Corporation. The partnership will help increase AMERICAID members' access to quality health care, with a focus on well-child care services.

According to the agreement, GWUL outreach representatives will contact members on behalf of AMERICAID to educate them about the importance of annual well-care visits, with a focus on young children. They will also help AMERICAID link members with their doctors, coordinate transportation if needed, supply health education materials and, if necessary, connect them with a case manager or social worker.

"We want to ensure that our young members receive the best quality well-child care services," said Jane Thompson, COO of AMERIGROUP's D.C. health plan. "AMERIGROUP selected GWUL because of their extensive knowledge about community outreach and their hands-on experience working in D.C. communities. Their outreach representatives will help us better connect with our members one-on-one as we work to improve their health and well being."

The GWUL is known for its ongoing efforts in helping to improve the quality of life within local communities. Its programs in the D.C. metro area include health and youth education, environmental education and outreach, homebound food services, parental assistance and community development.

"We are very pleased to work with AMERIGROUP on this critical health initiative, said Maudine R. Cooper, president and CEO of the Greater Washington Urban League. "By helping AMERICAID members obtain access to preventive health and education services, we are achieving our mutual goal of making a positive difference in people's lives."

Founded in 1938 and one of the 115 affiliates of the National Urban League, the GWUL is a major nonprofit social services and civil rights organization with offices in the District of Columbia and Prince George's County, Maryland. Key program areas include education, employment, housing, aging, technology training and environmental education and reform.

By working to make a difference in the lives of the communities it serves, AMERIGROUP has become one of America's leading health care coverage companies dedicated to helping lower-income families and persons with disabilities build healthy tomorrows. The company operates health plans in four states and the District of Columbia and serves more than 345,000 Members, of which more than 75 percent are children. Visit www.amerigroupcorp.com for more information.