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Innovative Community Partnerships Transform Lives

For millions of Americans the most difficult health care challenge is often what would seem to be the simplest to solve — finding the medical and benefit information they need to live healthier lives. But for low-income Americans, including those who rely on Medicaid and Medicare, the challenge can be particularly daunting.

Lisa Wright, a director at our AmeriChoice business, understands all too well the challenges facing these underserved populations. For much of her career, she has worked with people whose health needs fall through the cracks of the health care system. When Lisa joined UnitedHealth Group in 2008, she partnered with local community health- and faith-based organizations to design the innovative Maryland Community HUB program, which is bringing solutions to those living in some of Baltimore’s most medically underserved neighborhoods.

HUB sites are essentially community-based storefronts where people are invited to meet UnitedHealth Group staff for face-to-face customer service. The HUBs are typically housed in easily accessible locations, including health centers, subsidized housing projects, Boys and Girls Clubs, homeless shelters and a variety of other community-based organizations.

During HUB sessions, our staff provides mini-benefit orientations, offers assistance in navigating health plan benefits and helps to address any medical challenges people may be experiencing. HUB sessions are also held in physicians’ and other health care professionals’ offices, allowing the care provider and his or her staff to focus on care delivery rather than benefit education. More than 30 Community HUB sites have been established across Maryland.

As a result of her leadership and tireless efforts on behalf of Medicare and Medicaid recipients, Lisa was nominated for and awarded the company’s “Living the Mission” award. The award recognizes UnitedHealth Group employees who exemplify the themes of the company’s mission and values statements in their work activity. “Health care is complex, everyone knows that,” says Lisa. “But by going out into the communities, my team gets to experience firsthand the passion and the rewards of living the UnitedHealth Group mission. We see how an innovative way to deliver health care can truly transform a person’s life. Being able to help people at their level, in their communities, is a remarkable feeling.”