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Cityblock and Sunshine Health Announce Partnership to Deliver Comprehensive Care to Medicaid Members in Central Florida

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Cityblock and Sunshine Health have announced a partnership to deliver comprehensive care to Medicaid members in 11 Central Florida counties starting May 1, 2024. The partnership aims to provide 24/7 access to care via virtual, at-home, or clinic visits, offering primary care and care coordination services to high-need Medicaid members. This initiative is intended to enhance overall health outcomes and minimize unnecessary emergency visits and inpatient admissions. Cityblock's CEO, Dr. Toyin Ajayi, expressed excitement over expanding operations with Sunshine Health, a subsidiary of Centene (NYSE: CNC). Sunshine Health's CEO, Nathan Landsbaum, emphasized the focus on whole-person health and quality care for Floridians.

Positive
  • Cityblock's partnership with Sunshine Health expands its reach to 11 Central Florida counties.
  • The partnership provides 24/7 access to care teams via multiple modalities, including virtual, at-home, and clinic visits.
  • Cityblock's multidisciplinary care model aims to reduce unnecessary emergency department visits and avoidable inpatient admissions.
  • The collaboration builds on existing relationships in New York and Ohio, demonstrating growth and scalability in other states.
  • Cityblock's care model has shown increased engagement, clinical continuity, and meaningful reductions in avoidable inpatient admissions, according to their 2024 Equity in Action Report.
Negative
  • Operating in high-need, hard-to-reach areas may present logistical and financial challenges.
  • The success of the partnership hinges on continued effective coordination and seamless service delivery, which may face obstacles.

Insights

The partnership between Cityblock and Sunshine Health demonstrates a strategic expansion in the healthcare market, particularly focused on Medicaid beneficiaries in Central Florida. This collaboration aims to enhance the accessibility and quality of care for high-need, hard-to-reach populations. Such partnerships are critical in addressing gaps in healthcare provision and can significantly influence the market dynamics of managed care plans and healthcare services.

From an investor's perspective, this partnership may indicate a potential increase in market share for Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), as Sunshine Health's parent company, due to improved service offerings and expanded reach. The seamless integration of care modalities – virtual, in-home and clinic-based – can lead to higher patient retention and satisfaction, potentially driving up revenue through increased enrollments and reduced costs associated with emergency services.

Short-term benefits include the immediate enhancement of service delivery capabilities and patient engagement. Long-term benefits are likely to manifest as improved health outcomes and cost efficiencies, which could translate into better financial results for Cityblock and Sunshine Health.

However, investors should also consider potential drawbacks, such as the challenges of operational integration and the initial costs associated with scaling these services across multiple counties. Additionally, the success of this partnership will heavily depend on the execution of care coordination and maintaining high engagement levels among Medicaid members.

Rating: 1 (positive)

This partnership between Cityblock and Sunshine Health is significant for the healthcare industry, particularly in the realm of managed care for Medicaid beneficiaries. The inclusion of 24/7 access to care teams and a multidisciplinary approach are vital components in managing complex health needs. These features can significantly reduce unnecessary emergency department visits and avoidable inpatient admissions, which are major cost drivers in healthcare.

Such an approach aligns with the industry's shift towards value-based care, where the focus is on providing holistic, patient-centered care that emphasizes preventive measures and continuity of care. By addressing social determinants of health and providing comprehensive services, this partnership is well-positioned to improve health outcomes for some of the most vulnerable populations in Central Florida.

For investors, this indicates a move towards sustainable healthcare models that can reduce long-term costs while improving patient satisfaction and outcomes. The success of this model in New York and Ohio provides a promising precedent for its application in Florida. However, the scalability and adaptability of this model to different regional healthcare landscapes will be important in determining its overall success.

Rating: 1 (positive)

Members will benefit from 24/7 access to care teams virtually, at home or in a clinic.

BROOKLYN, N.Y. and FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cityblock, a value-based healthcare provider for adult Medicaid beneficiaries, announced today a partnership with Sunshine Health, a leading Florida managed care plan and a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC) to provide primary care and care coordination services to high-need, hard-to-reach Medicaid members in 11 Central Florida counties. The partnership, which commenced on May 1, 2024, includes wrap-around services offered to members 24/7 and across modalities, allowing members the option to see their multidisciplinary care team virtually, in the home or at a local clinic. Together, Sunshine Health and Cityblock will offer members seamless clinical and care coordination services that extend beyond the doctor's office to support whole health. This partnership builds on Centene's existing relationship with Cityblock in two states – New York and Ohio.

"Cityblock has seen incredible growth over the past few years, growing our operations in both our existing and new states. We are pleased to launch in a new market with a strong Florida leader like Sunshine Health and to expand our national partnership with Centene," said Dr. Toyin Ajayi, co-founder and CEO of Cityblock.

At launch, the partnership will serve members in the following Central Florida counties:

  • Volusia

  • Seminole

  • Orange

  • Osceola

  • Polk

  • Hernando

  • Pasco

  • Hillsborough

  • Pinellas

  • Manatee

  • Sarasota

"The heart of what we do at Sunshine Health is offer quality, accessible health care to Floridians with a focus on whole-person health," said President and CEO of Sunshine Health, Nathan Landsbaum. "We are excited to partner with Cityblock to further diversify the ways we provide care to our members, engaging them in the modes they most prefer, to ultimately improve health outcomes."

Cityblock's unique care model is purpose-built to serve members with complex needs, many of whom are at disproportionately higher risk for poor health outcomes. By offering 24/7 access and care, Cityblock's multidisciplinary care team helps to reduce unnecessary emergency department visits and avoidable inpatient admissions, while improving quality of care and member engagement. According to its 2024 Equity in Action Report, Cityblock's care model has shown increased engagement and clinical continuity, and meaningful reductions in avoidable inpatient admissions among these populations.

About Cityblock 
Founded in 2017, Cityblock is a transformative, value-based primary care company that serves over 100,000 Medicaid and Medicare-Medicaid dually eligible beneficiaries. Our medical practices deliver integrated clinical care, behavioral health services, and social care – virtually, in-home, and in community-based clinics. Modern technology is at the core of our care model, with custom-built tools to support every facet of care team operations and member interactions. Cityblock partners with 3 of the top 5 national Medicaid health plans, and currently operates in New York, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Florida.

Cityblock has been named to Fast Company's World's 50 Most Innovative Companies list, CNBC's Disruptor 50 list, Forbes' America's Best Startup Employers list, and Fierce Healthcare's inaugural Fierce 15 list. To learn more about the company, visit www.cityblock.com.

About Sunshine Health
With offices across the state, Sunshine Health is among the largest healthcare plans in Florida. Offering coordinated care and a network of support for our members, Sunshine Health is transforming the health of the community, one person at a time. It offers government-sponsored managed care through Medicaid and Specialty Products, Long Term Care, the Health Insurance Marketplace (Ambetter), and Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans (Wellcare). Sunshine Health also operates the Children's Medical Services Health Plan on behalf of the Florida Department of Health for children and adolescents with special healthcare needs. Sunshine Health is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, a leading healthcare enterprise that is committed to helping people live healthier lives. 

For more information, visit SunshineHealth.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter @SunHealthFL.

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cityblock-and-sunshine-health-announce-partnership-to-deliver-comprehensive-care-to-medicaid-members-in-central-florida-302150592.html

SOURCE Cityblock Health

FAQ

What is the new partnership between Cityblock and Sunshine Health about?

Cityblock and Sunshine Health have partnered to provide comprehensive primary care and care coordination services to Medicaid members in 11 Central Florida counties starting May 1, 2024.

When did the partnership between Cityblock and Sunshine Health start?

The partnership commenced on May 1, 2024.

What counties will be covered under the Cityblock and Sunshine Health partnership?

The partnership will cover Volusia, Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota counties.

How will Cityblock and Sunshine Health provide care to Medicaid members?

They will offer 24/7 access to care via virtual, at-home, or clinic visits, supported by a multidisciplinary care team.

What is the expected impact of the Cityblock and Sunshine Health partnership?

The partnership aims to reduce unnecessary emergency visits and inpatient admissions while improving overall health outcomes and member engagement.

How does Cityblock plan to reduce avoidable inpatient admissions?

Cityblock's care model includes 24/7 access to multidisciplinary care teams that provide comprehensive and continuous care, reducing the need for emergency and inpatient services.

Who is the parent company of Sunshine Health?

Sunshine Health is a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene (NYSE: CNC).

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