BUFFALO, N.Y., December 13, 2018) – The New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) has awarded the Greater Buffalo United Accountable Healthcare Network (GBUAHN) a five-star overall rating in its 2018 Medicaid Health Home Report Card. GBUAHN received top ratings and the highest retention and conversion rates in the state for the Health and Recovery Plans (HARP) program. GBUAHN’s HARP conversion rate is over 45%, a ten percent higher rate than the second-ranked health home in this category. GBUAHN’s HARP retention rate was the highest in the state at over 95%. 

Members of the GBUAHN Health Home who enroll in the HARP program receive a high level of care coordination services. HARP is a managed care product that manages physical health, mental health, and substance abuse disorder services for adults with significant behavioral health needs. HARP members are linked with Adult Behavioral Health Home and Community-Based Services (BHHCBS) that include: independent living skills, self-advocacy, education, employment and stress management services. To qualify for HARP, individuals must be at least 21-years-old and insured only by Medicaid. 

“GBUAHN is proud to be the highest-ranked health home in New York state for HARP conversion and retention rates,” said Raul Vazquez, M.D., GBUAHN chief executive officer. “We are helping those who need it most find their way back to being productive members of the community. HARP also reduces expensive emergency room visits and addresses the social determinants of health.”