Latest news with #JamesC.Leonard
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Health Alliance Medicare Advantage plans set to end, impact over 33K people
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Three months ago, Carle Health announced that its healthcare plans through Health Alliance will end by the end of the year. Now, the health system says Health Alliance Medicare Advantage plans will end by Dec. 31, 2025 as well. Carle Health said coverage for current Medicare Advantage members will remain unchanged through the end of the year. Insurance expert breaks down implications of Health Alliance's discontinued services 'This decision reflects the challenges facing provider-owned health plans in the current insurance and economic environment,' Carle Health said in a news release. Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare. It's sold and managed by private insurance companies. People who qualify for Medicare include people 65 or older, or those with a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant), or ALS (also called Lou Gehrig's disease), according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Carle Health previously said Medicare Advantage would continue. But, after they 'concluded their comprehensive strategic and financial analysis,' that decision changed. The decision impacts 33,332 Medicare Advantage members, according to Carle Health. 'Our decision to exit the insurance market comes at a time when market dynamics and plan designs have made it increasingly difficult for provider-owned health plans to remain sustainable,' James C. Leonard, MD, Carle Health president and chief executive officer, said. 'We're proud of the service our health plans have delivered for decades, and especially proud to have connected people to the care they've trusted through every stage of life. That legacy continues as Carle Health focuses our efforts on delivering exceptional care and positioning Carle Health for long-term strength and impact.' Carle layoffs set to begin in July on 'rolling basis' in Champaign WCIA has reached out to Carle Health to find out what services or help Carle Health plans to provide Medicare Advantage users when it's time for them to choose a new coverage option. The health system said they maintain relationships with other Medicare Advantage plans. And, when it's time to explore new coverage options, Carle said they will provide resources to help. 'For Carle Health patients wishing to stay connected to their care teams, we will be providing helpful enrollment information during the Annual Election Period at We are focused on a thoughtful and supportive transition for our members,' Carle Health said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Carle Health President and CEO receives national recognition for Healthcare Innovation
URBANA — Carle Health has announced that James C. Leonard, MD, President and CEO of the integrated health system, is the 2025 recipient of the American Hospital Association (AHA) Justin Ford Kimball Innovators Award. The prestigious honor is the national organization's highest award and recognizes Dr. Leonard's forward-thinking leadership and Carle Health's commitment to providing transformative care in the communities it serves under his leadership. AHA will present Dr. Leonard with the award at the AHA Annual Membership Meeting later this month. AHA selects one healthcare leader from its 5,000 membership organizations each year to celebrate leaders whose innovation advances access, coordination and health outcomes. Leaders receiving the recognition demonstrate innovation that has reshaped the future of healthcare. 'Innovation doesn't happen in a vacuum,' Dr. Leonard shared. 'It's the result of thousands of people working together every day with purpose, care and dedication. I'm honored to receive this award and I'm grateful for our team – because awards like this represent a collective commitment.' Throughout his 25-year tenure as President and CEO, Dr. Leonard has guided Carle Health's evolution into an integrated health system comprising of eight hospitals, a multispecialty family physician group, numerous outpatient sites, a research institute, and the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, the world's first engineering based medical school. 'Jim Leonard is an accomplished leader and a strategic thinker whose contributions to advancing excellence have benefited not just Carle Health but the entire healthcare field,' said Rick Pollack, AHA president and CEO. Never losing touch with his foundation as a family medicine provider, Dr. Leonard brings together a focus on community-based access to care with value-driven, modern healthcare solutions. 'With Jim at the helm, I've really been able to see the trajectory of the healthcare system and our ability to provide more inclusive and specialized care for those we serve,' Napoleon Knight, MD, Carle Health executive vice president and chief medical officer said. 'From fortifying access to care in rural communities to bringing unmatched technology to the region, his vision for creating sustainable, patient-centered healthcare has been our driving force and put Carle Health in the position to make an incredible impact.' Under Dr. Leonard's leadership, the Carle Health system has: Expanded to include eight hospitals and a research institute. Established the Carle Illinois College of Medicine. Extended its commitment to community health, exponentially increasing Carle Health's access and impact in supporting underserved communities. Opened the Mills Breast Cancer Institute and Digestive Health Institute. Launched the Carle Illinois Advanced Imaging Center with 7 Tesla MRI technology.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Health Alliance discontinuing plans at year's end; Medicare Advantage to continue
CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA) — Carle Health has announced that its healthcare plans through Health Alliance will cease business at the end of this year. Health Alliance is the largest health insurer in Central and Southern Illinois, with more than 240,000 members. But on Jan. 1, 2026, all of their plans will be discontinued except for Medicare Advantage. State's medical debt relief program off to strong start 'As a leader in healthcare, Carle Health has an obligation to set the standard for excellence,' officials said in a press release. 'We continually evaluate and expand on successful components of our organization while addressing areas that may fall short. Every action and strategy we pursue is rooted in our mission to be a trusted partner in healthcare decisions, ensuring we effectively utilize our resources to best serve our patients, families and communities.' According to a release sent out by Carle Health, the health insurance industry has changed dramatically in the last several years, particularly for provider-owned insurers. This has led to health plans struggling to achieve 'operational and financial efficiency,' according to the release from Carle Health. Medical inflation, rising prescription drug costs, increased utilization of health care services, and higher volumes of chronic medical conditions have led to 'considerable financial strain.' 'Carle Health has had to make decisions that enable us to better focus on our core services, built around the health and wellbeing of patients,' James C. Leonard, MD, Carle Health President and Chief Executive Officer said. 'We recognize that in today's health insurance environment, our health plans no longer successfully compete and Carle Health must effectively utilize our resources to meet the changing needs of customers.' Officials clarified that throughout the remainder of 2025, health plans will maintain operations necessary to support claims processing and meeting ongoing business needs, regulatory mandates and contractual obligations. Carle Health also said that the organization has begun to communicate with employees, customers and impacted partners about the changes. Now, they're working to make sure all 'regulatory requirements are met' and make adjustments to continue to serve its members through the end of the calendar year. 'We are so grateful for the commitment of all the health plan employees who will continue to serve customers as we navigate this transition. They have consistently brought innovative solutions, unique programming and unmatched customer service to improve the health outcomes of those we serve for decades, and that impact is felt by members across the country,' Sinead Madigan, Health Alliance President said. Carle Health also said that membership information will still be available through the Hally/MyChart member platform beyond the end of the year. Effective immediately, Health Alliance will address all group proposals, renewals and existing groups in the following fasion: Coverage will continue for all existing insured Large Group, Small Group, Self-funded, Balance or Medicare Supplement (group or individual) customers that have already renewed in 2025. Renewals will continue to be provided throughout 2025 for Large and Small Group customers who have yet to renew, but coverage will end on Dec. 31, regardless of renewal date or any other date listed on contracts or prior communication. All existing Self-Funded and Balance groups will end without the opportunity for renewal the day prior to their scheduled 2025 renewal date or Dec. 31. All outstanding Self-Funded and Balance renewal proposals for effective dates on or after April 1 will be withdrawn with no offer for renewal. Health Alliance will continue to produce Small Group insured proposals for effective dates through and including Dec. 1. Coverage for these proposals will end Dec. 31. If requested, Health Alliance will continue to produce Large Group insured proposals for effective dates through and including July 1. Coverage for all such proposals will end Dec. 31. Coverage for all other Large Group and Small Group insured proposals will end Dec. 31, regardless of what date is indicated in the proposal. No Large Group insured proposals will be offered beyond July 1, and no Small Group insured proposals will be offered beyond Dec. 1. 'Health Alliance and FirstCarolinaCare will continue to provide a high level of service to existing customers through the end of the year,' officials said. 'This includes processing of claims, as well as renewing fully insured plans to support employers and individuals seeking to obtain new or maintain current health plan products.' The Health Alliance President shared a statement on the plans to discontinue their 'all lines of business.' We are so grateful for the commitment of all the health plan employees who will continue to serve customers as we navigate this transition. They have consistently brought innovative solutions, unique programming and unmatched customer service to improve the health outcomes of those we serve for decades, and that impact is felt by members across the country. Sinead Madigan, Health Alliance President Health Alliance members are advised to contact their client consultant if they have any questions. Carle Health also said that membership information will still be available through the Hally/MyChart member platform beyond the end of the year. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
