In recognition of its continued efforts to reduce healthcare inequities and address social determinants of health within the Medicaid population it serves, Louisiana Healthcare Connections has been awarded the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Distinction in Multicultural Health Care.
“Our mission at Louisiana Healthcare Connections is to transform Louisiana’s health and create health equity for our Medicaid population,” said Jamie Schlottman, chief executive officer. “Eliminating disparities in healthcare is essential to improving the quality of care we provide to all our members.”
The NCQA Distinction in Multicultural Health Care identifies organizations such as Louisiana Healthcare Connections that lead the market in providing culturally and linguistically sensitive services and working to reduce health care disparities. NCQA awards distinction to organizations that meet or exceed its rigorous requirements for multicultural healthcare.
“Cultural competency is crucial to providing high quality healthcare,” said NCQA president Margaret E. O’Kane. “Organizations achieving Multicultural Health Care Distinction are leaders in closing the ethnic and racial disparities gap, and NCQA commends them for their dedication.”
The industry-leading accreditation is a rigorous assessment of a health plans’ structure and process, clinical quality and patient satisfaction. Louisiana Healthcare Connections was not only accredited, but also received a perfect score from the accrediting board.
“Receiving a 100% score from NCQA is remarkable,” said Yolanda Wilson, Louisiana Healthcare Connections vice president of quality improvement. “Our efforts to directly promote health equity, advocate for our communities and train on cultural sensitivity and bias has allowed us to provide an even higher standard of care for the diverse populations we are privileged to serve.”