Health Alliance earns back-to-back honors

Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA) presents Quality Awards for medication quality measures achievements

Urbana, Ill. – Health Alliance Pharmacy has earned a quality award for the second year in a row from the Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA). The organization has recognized 24 Medicare plan contracts with a quality award for high achievement or significant improvement in PQA measures of medication safety and appropriate use. The group bases awards on published Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Part D Star Ratings.

The Excellence in Quality Award recognizes Medicare Advantage Drug Plans (MAPD) and Prescription Drug Plans (PDP).  PQC recognizes MAPDs who achieve at least a 4.5 out of 5-stars Part D summary rating and a 5-star rating on all five PQA medication measures used in the 2020 CMS Star Ratings program. PDPs are recognized for achieving at least a 4.5 of out of 5-stars Part D summary rating and a 4-star rating on all five PQA medication measures used in the 2020 CMS program.

PQA honors Health Alliance for an Excellence in Quality Award for the third year in a row.

“Every decision we make is guided by what’s best for members and their health,” April Vogelsang, senior vice president and chief clinical integration officer said. “External recognition backing Health Alliance provides one more piece of information consumers need so they can make the best decision for themselves and their families.”

Health Alliance Pharmacy Director Brian Smolich, RPh, said continuous evaluation of our programs helps identify opportunities for improvement.

“These opportunities enhance the quality of care and service provided to our members by improving efficiency, increasing the span of healthy life and reducing disparities in the health care provided.”

Laura Cranston, RPh, PQA CEO, said the effective use of medications is a top issue for all care providers, and it is extremely important in the Medicare Part D program.

“This year, PQA recognizes 24 plans for their exemplary management of medications for their Medicare members. The excellence and improvement recognized by these awards reflect the organizations’ commitment to high quality medication use strategies by the plans and their partners to care for patients.”

This year’s quality award recipients are:

Excellence in Quality Award – PDPs (CMS Contract Number)

• CVS Health (S2893)
• Navitus MedicareRx (S9701)
• Health Alliance Medical Plans (S4219)
• Pennsylvania Public School Employees’ Retirement System – Health Options Program (E3014)
• Tufts Health Plan (S0655)