FRANKLIN, Tennessee—American Health Plans, a division of American Health Partners, has announced its partnership with Empath Health, a not-for-profit hospice and home-based health care organization. Their partnership seeks to grow American Health Advantage of Florida, an Institutional Special Needs Plans (ISNP) providing Medicare Advantage coverage to the long-term care population of Florida.
Based in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, Empath Health is a health care organization providing coordinated care and improving clinical outcomes for people with advanced, serious or terminal illnesses, with a special focus on vulnerable and frail patients in the community. With its long-standing presence and connections to long-term care facilities across the state, Empath will add ISNP and the support of the affiliated TruHealth clinical team to their list of services in Florida.
ISNPs are Medicare Advantage plans that cater to Medicare recipients who live in nursing facilities. Members of the American Health Advantage of Florida ISNP will receive care that is supported by a team of nurse practitioners or physician assistants from TruHealth of Florida, the clinical arm of the ISNP. Members are also supported by an American Health Plans member advocate, who coordinates care and assists members with their plan’s benefits. This focus on coordinated care makes a partnership between American Health Plans and Empath Health beneficial to health care in Florida.
"We are thrilled to venture into a provider-owned ISNP in Florida," said Jonathan Fleece, president and CEO of Empath Health. "This initiative allows us to offer a higher level of personalized and coordinated care, ultimately improving health outcomes and quality of life for our frail elderly population."
With the implementation of American Health Advantage of Florida, American Health Plans will now be operating in 13 states. Based in Franklin, Tennessee, American Health Plans operates a provider-owned ISNP platform. The ISNP model of care improves clinical outcomes, supports bedside medical services and reduces unnecessary spending.
“Our goals—delivering high-quality health care services, lowering costs and growing membership across our national network—are already being realized in our established plans,” said Hank Watson, chief development officer of American Health Partners. “Partners like Empath will help us continue to serve more residents and build a network of provider partners who share our mission and vision.”
