Concord, NH – Meridian Health Plan, one of three Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) providing benefits under the Medicaid Care Management (MCM) Program, has chosen to withdraw from the State of New Hampshire effective June 30, 2014. Meridian, based in Detroit, Michigan, requested withdrawal from the program in order to focus on the growth of its core businesses in the Midwest. With the addition of the New Hampshire Health Protection Program coming later this year, Meridian and DHHS agreed that a summer withdrawal would provide the best opportunity to minimize any disruption to the Program and its members.

“We will work quickly with the company to develop a transition plan that protects Meridian members,” said Health and Human Services Commissioner Nicholas Toumpas. “Meridian’s members and providers can be assured that we will work very closely with Meridian on how best to transition their members to our other two MCOs. I want to acknowledge the professionalism Meridian has shown in all its efforts assisting the Department implement the first phase of MCM, and in building positive relationships with the State’s providers.”

Both organizations have affirmed that the top priority in the transition is the protection of Meridian’s members and the providers who serve them. Meridian and DHHS are currently collaborating on the details of a transition plan. Meridian will continue to provide services until July 31, 2014. During the transition period, Meridian members will continue to receive the same benefits, and Meridian will reimburse its providers for all services provided to its members through July 31. Further details will be communicated to all members and providers as they become available.

Meridian was one of New Hampshire’s three MCOs involved in the successful launch of New Hampshire’s Medicaid Care Management Program back on December 1, 2013. Meridian’s members will be transitioned to one of the remaining MCOs, New Hampshire Healthy Families or Well Sense Health Plan.

“This has not been an easy decision,” said Dr. David Cotton, Meridian’s CEO, “but our recent growth in the Midwest demands that we refocus our resources to continue to provide top-quality managed care products in our core markets.” Meridian additionally operates Medicaid managed care plans in Michigan, Illinois, and Iowa. “It has been a privilege to be a part of the MCM program’s development and to serve the people of New Hampshire.”

New Hampshire Medicaid Care Management members with questions can call the Department at (603) 271-9461. Meridian members may also contact Meridian’s own Member Services at (855) 291-5221, while providers should call Meridian’s Provider Services at (877) 480-8250. Providers may also contact their Network Development Representative.