Nurse Extern Program Intern

Fortuna enters West Virginia market with Highmark Health Options. Parkersburg, W.Va. (October. 6, 2026) - In anticipation of changing Medicaid eligibility guidelines through the implementation of new federal rules, Highmark Health Options West Virginia (HHO) has introduced Fortuna, a consumer-first navigation platform that simplifies the Medicaid renewal process and helps members impacted by the upcoming changes address eligibility requirements to maintain health coverage if eligible. Fortuna is one of several companies currently working with the federal government on the technical requirements for the new law. The federal government estimates that roughly 15% of all adults in the Medicaid expansion population may lose health coverage once new federal Medicaid changes take effect on Jan. 1, 2027, the majority from people who can't show they meet the new eligibility requirements, and a meaningful share simply because of missed deadlines or documentation gaps. Fortuna's work with HHO builds on a model designed to reduce preventable coverage loss by meeting members where they are. The platform combines timely outreach by text, email and phone; plain-language guidance; multilingual support; document and notice assistance; and access to live navigators. The service is designed to help members understand renewal notices, know when action is due and complete the appropriate steps with confidence. Fortuna's approach addresses common renewal barriers, including confusing notices, missed deadlines, language access needs and uncertainty about required documentation. "As Medicaid programs across the country prepare for more frequent eligibility checks and community-engagement requirements for certain adults, member communication and navigation will play an increasingly important role in helping eligible people avoid unnecessary gaps in coverage," said Jason Landers, president and CEO, Highmark Health Options. "It's our job, as a leading managed care organization, to help the state communicate the upcoming changes and provide the tools and support to maintain coverage if eligible for members impacted by the new requirements." Fortuna and HHO, the state's first Blue Cross Blue Shield-branded managed care organization, are working in alignment with West Virginia's Medicaid renewal process and under the oversight of the West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services. West Virginia Medicaid members are already being encouraged to prepare for upcoming federal changes by keeping contact information current, reading state communications and watching for future notices about required actions. As of June, there were nearly 390,000 Medicaid beneficiaries in the state of West Virginia. "As new requirements take effect, we're proud to expand our partnership with Highmark Health Options to bring technology and navigation support to Medicaid members in West Virginia," said Nikita Singareddy, co-founder and CEO of Fortuna Health. "We're also grateful to the Bureau for Medical Services for their commitment to effective, member-first outreach and engagement, and we're proud to support West Virginians maintaining their coverage and connecting to work and community engagement opportunities." Fortuna estimates that 77% of all Medicaid expansion beneficiaries are uncertain of when they need to take action to maintain eligibility. According to a 2024 survey by the National Association of Community Health Centers, 85% of enrollees don't understand how to read their coverage notices and 63% try more than once to renew coverage. The program is intended to support eligible members through the administrative steps required to keep coverage active, while ensuring that eligibility decisions remain with the appropriate state authorities. A similar pilot program with Highmark's Medicaid population in Pennsylvania has yielded strong results. On average, Fortuna's managed care customers see an approximate 10% increase in monthly renewal rates over baseline. About Highmark Health Options West Virginia Highmark Health Options West Virginia is a managed care organization serving West Virginians who qualify for Medicaid. Highmark Inc. help each of its members receive the care and services they need to live healthier and more independent lives, and Highmark Inc. collaborate with providers and regulators to improve health outcomes, simplify the health care experience, and ensure affordability. Highmark Health Options West Virginia members include individuals and families with low income or complex health and social needs, expectant mothers, children, and people with disabilities. Learn more at https://www.highmark.com/health-options-wv About Fortuna Health Fortuna Health is a consumer-first Medicaid navigation platform - "TurboTax(R) for Medicaid" - enabling guided renewal support across eligibility, enrollment, renewal, and transitions off the program. Fortuna partners with managed care plans to deliver simplified, member-first navigation that drives higher enrollment, faster renewals, and stronger long-term retention for the 80 million Americans who rely on Medicaid.

AAA: Time to evaluate Medicare coverage. Fri, Oct 2nd 2026 03:05 pm Medicare recipients are encouraged to review their plans with licensed Medicare advisors By AAA of Western and Central New York The Medicare annual enrollment period (AEP) begins Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7. During this time, Medicare recipients are encouraged to determine if their health care needs have changed and prepare for any changes to their current plan in the new year. AAA recommends sitting down with a licensed insurance adviser to evaluate whether your current Medicare plan will change and if another plan might better meet your needs and budget. The Medicare plan selected during AEP will take effect Jan. 1, 2027. Current Medicare recipients should receive their plan's annual notice of change (ANOC) by the first week of October. This notice will review changes to the benefits and costs of their current Medicare plan for 2027. With more than 70 plans to choose from, entering the world of Medicare can lead to more questions than answers. Changes to Medicare plans can impact key aspects of healthcare, including choice of doctor, prescription drug coverage, and cost. Therefore, it is very important for recipients to review Medicare plan coverage options for 2027 to ensure that they are enrolled in a plan that best meets their health care needs. AAA's licensed Medicare advisers can guide individuals to ensure they receive adequate coverage. Medicare is the federal insurance program for people who are 65 or older or certain younger people with disabilities. AEP is the time of year when everyone who is Medicare-eligible can make changes to their plans. AAA partners with many different insurance carriers to offer a wide range of options so that recipients can maximize what their plan offers. Unlike many providers, AAA doesn't work for insurance carriers, so insurance agents can offer unbiased assistance to help recipients find a Medicare plan to meet their needs. Services are available to all Medicare-eligible individuals in the community, both AAA members and nonmembers alike. The public can learn more by visiting www.AAA.com/Medicare to schedule an appointment online or by calling 877-477-7120. AAA works with familiar carriers like Highmark, Excellus, Univera and Independent Health, offering more than 70 plans to tailor coverage to individual needs. Within the plans, Medicare has four main "Parts" that cover specific services. These are: - Part A for hospital insurance. This is for inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care and some health care services. - Part B for medical insurance. This covers certain doctor's services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventative services. - Part C (Medicare Advantage) offers Medicare coverage through private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans include Part A and Part B coverage and often include additional benefits. - Part D for prescription drug coverage. Part D adds prescription drug coverage to original Medicare and Medicare-related plans. By calling, you agree that a AAA licensed insurance agent may contact you. AAA Insurance is provided through AAA Members Insurance Agency of Western & Central New York Inc., which offers products through AAA-affiliated companies and non-affiliated companies. Not affiliated with any government agency including Medicare. Wnypapers do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently Wnypapers represent 10-plus organizations which offer 70-plus products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Milford health day focuses on access to community resources. MILFORD, Del. - Local families had access to free health screenings, food, clothing, hygiene products and other community resources Wednesday during Highmark Health Options' annual Health and Wellness Day at the Food Bank of Delaware. More than a dozen local organizations participated, offering resources focused on health care, mental health, substance use, women's health and other community needs. Dwayne Parker, chief operating officer of Highmark Health Options, said the event was also designed to address some of the everyday challenges that can impact a person's health. "With the high costs of food, the high cost of gas right now to even try to get to a grocery store can be very challenging for the Delaware community," Parker said. "So this is an opportunity for us to partner with the Food Bank to be able to provide those resources to people that may be challenged in those areas." Jalyn Powell, with nonprofit OutLoud DE, said bringing organizations together also helps connect people with services beyond what any one group can provide. "We constantly get calls about services that may not be in our wheelhouse and we don't like saying no or we can't help," Powell said. "We'll go call the people that we just met here... and we'll make sure you get the services that you need." Powell said building those connections allows organizations to work together rather than trying to address every need on their own. Highmark Health Options has supported several participating organizations through its Health Equity Fund, which focuses on addressing health disparities and connecting underserved Delawareans with resources.