Growth Fueled by Popularity with Seniors and Caregivers, Grassroots Marketing
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Inc. Magazine has named Senior Whole Health (SWH), a voluntary health care plan for low-income seniors, the number one fastest-growing private company in the United States.
Part of Inc.'s annual list of the country's 500 fastest-growing companies, SWH had revenue growth of 31,000 percent from 2004 to 2007.
"This is a rewarding validation of our unique approach to caring for poor seniors," said John Baackes, president and CEO of SWH, whose plan currently serves 6,100 individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid in Massachusetts, New York and Connecticut. "We've helped the poorest and oldest individuals to live independently while giving their caregivers peace of mind."
Based in Cambridge, MA, SWH combines all of the benefits of Medicare and Medicaid and Medicaid Part D into one comprehensive health services package. SWH focuses on holding down costs and improving the quality of care received by dual-eligibles by consolidating Medicare, Medicaid and Medicaid Part D into one plan that pays all claims, handles all customer service issues and contracts with all providers.
"Seniors shouldn't be forced out of their homes because America's health care system is broken," said Massachusetts Senator John Kerry. "Senior Whole Health's commitment to providing home care makes sense for the consumer and the community."
"The demographic shift of the 'Boomers' using Medicare and Medicaid will most likely position Senior Whole Health for continued growth in the foreseeable future," added Massachusetts Housing and Economic Development Secretary Daniel O'Connell. "Senior Whole Health's business model will help to seek out and deliver vital resources to a hard-to-reach population living in Massachusetts and across the nation."
SWH, which employs 180 staff at its offices in MA, CT and NY, offers members many benefits to make life at home even more comfortable. This includes around-the-clock access to their healthcare team, no co-pays or deductibles, prescription coverage, specialized geriatric support services, no claim forms, non-medical services such as transportation, staff fluent in several languages, and non-traditional programs such as Tai Chi fall-prevention.
More than 40 percent of SWH members do not speak English, and 20 percent are illiterate. Most have one or more chronic diseases. The average number of prescriptions is five.
"As the original sponsor of the law that led to the creation of so-called SCO programs, such as Senior Whole Health, I am delighted with the success that this program has achieved," said Senator Richard T. Moore, Chair of the Health Care Financing Committee. "Senior Whole Health helps frail elders stay in their homes by providing the medical and social supports that are critical. They save the taxpayers money and improve the quality of life for the citizens they serve -- the 'gold standard' for any publicly supported program."
According to a 2007 study by JEN Associates, Inc., a national healthcare research firm, SWH's members are 40 percent less likely to be admitted to a nursing home for long-term care.
About Senior Whole Health
Since 2004, Senior Whole Health (SWH) has been driven by a singular mission -- to provide low-income seniors with a health care plan that's simple to join, provides the security of an around-the-clock health care team and allows them to remain living independently in the comfort of their own home. Simple, secure and independent, SWH currently serves 5,000 individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid living in New York, Connecticut and Massachusetts. For more information about the voluntary plan, call (518) 472-5200, or go to www.seniorwholehealth.com.
About Inc. Magazine
Inc., the only major business magazine edited exclusively for CEOs of fast-growing private companies, delivers real solutions for today's innovative company builders. It provides hands-on resources and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing and technology. And Inc. looks beyond work to address the entrepreneurial lifestyle. Inc. inspires and informs, with cutting-edge coverage that reflects our readers' energy, brashness and imagination. Inc. has a paid subscription base of 700,000 readers.
SOURCE Senior Whole Health
For further information: Edward Parham, Director of Public Relations, Rueckert Advertising and Public Relations, +1-518-446-1091, for Senior Whole Health
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