Leading MCO partners with Tennessee providers

Wellpoint, a leading managed care provider of health benefits, is collaborating with local mental health providers across Tennessee to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and serious mental illnesses (SMI) through innovative and specialized training, the region's Citizen Tribune newspaper reported May 29. Wellpoint is investing more than $70,000 in proven cutting‐edge solutions to support curriculum development and education for mental health providers with evidence‐based tools and skills that enrich their capabilities to care for individuals with IDD and SMI. “The skills system model, an advanced solution offering targeted support, is well‐positioned to deliver substantive quality of life improvements for individuals with IDD and SMI,” said Natalie Cooper, Wellpoint president. “This funding commitment and partnership with our specialized mental health workforce is a beacon of hope for our most vulnerable community members. By giving health care providers access to evidence‐based tools and resources, we are improving outcomes and stabilizing communities.”