CHICAGO and TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Harmony Health Plan, Inc., a subsidiary of WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG), announced today it has named Traci Powell, M.D., FAPA, as behavioral health medical director.
In this newly created position, Dr. Powell will provide clinical behavioral health leadership and oversee the integration of behavioral health into all areas of the health plan. She will also collaborate with providers to identify best clinical practices and quality improvement opportunities.
In Illinois, more than one out of ten people are receiving treatment for a behavioral health issue. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, many people who suffer from a depressive disorder also have a chronic condition such as asthma or diabetes.
"Dr. Powell has an extensive health care background with broad experience in government health plan operations and clinical medicine," said Dr. Robin L. Jones, medical director, Harmony Health Plan. "Her leadership will be instrumental in ensuring our members receive the integrated, whole-person care they need to live better, healthier lives."
"I am honored to be a part of Harmony's efforts to collaborate with the state, providers and community partners to help our members receive the care and services they need to achieve and maintain optimal health," said Dr. Powell.
Dr. Powell most recently served as the behavioral health medical director for Molina Healthcare of Illinois. She has significant clinical experience, which includes time in private practice, community mental health and as a staff psychiatrist at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center and Hartgrove Hospital. Both hospitals are located in Chicago.
She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her medical degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she also completed her residency. Dr. Powell is a fellow of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and licensed in Illinois and Indiana. She is a member of the American Psychiatric Association, the Illinois Psychiatric Society, the American Association for Physician Leaders and the American Medical Association.
As of March 31, 2016, WellCare and Harmony Health Plan serve approximately 207,000 members in Illinois, including 164,000 Medicaid members, 15,000 Medicare Advantage plan members and 28,000 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan members.
About WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
Headquartered in Tampa, Fla., WellCare Health Plans, Inc. (NYSE: WCG) focuses exclusively on providing government-sponsored managed care services, primarily through Medicaid, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, to families, children, seniors and individuals with complex medical needs. WellCare serves approximately 3.7 million members nationwide as of March 31, 2016. For more information about WellCare, please visit the company's website at www.wellcare.com or view the company's videos at https://www.youtube.com/user/WellCareHealthPlan.
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SOURCE WellCare Health Plans, Inc.
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