Humana & Volunteers of America Expand Integrated Healthcare Services

This collaboration aims to improve maternal and behavioral health and address broader health-related social needs.

Humana Inc. has announced its partnership with Volunteers of America (VOA) to enhance access to integrated healthcare services for underserved communities across multiple states. 

This collaboration aims to improve maternal and behavioral health and address broader health-related social needs.

Humana's investment primarily centers on Family-Focused Recovery (FFR), an evidence-based program designed to assist pregnant women and mothers battling Substance Use Disorder (SUD) alongside their children. 

The initiative aims to keep families together during recovery, which can improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS).  

With Humana's support, VOA is set to break ground on two new FFR centers in Lawton, Oklahoma, and New Orleans, Louisiana, in October 2024. A third center in Columbus, Ohio, is scheduled to open in early 2025. These centers are pivotal for fostering family unity and enhancing recovery success for mothers and their children.

Margaret Ratcliff, Executive Vice President of Affiliate Relations at VOA, highlighted the significance of this partnership: “Our outcomes-based approach to caring for our vulnerable populations is made possible in part through our partnership with Humana Healthy Horizons. By enabling our neighbors to focus on their health as we address their social needs, we can help create thriving communities.”

Addressing Housing Instability in Detroit

In addition to the FFR initiative, Humana has committed $1.5 million to Volunteers of America Michigan (VOAMI) to tackle housing insecurity in the Detroit area. 

This funding is expected to help develop a “Housing Hub,” offering crucial resources and services such as short-term crisis and transitional housing, medical respite care, and on-site medical and behavioral health services. 

Enhanced Complex Care Coordination teams will operate as “spokes,” reaching into three surrounding counties to better serve community members.

John Barger, President of Humana Healthy Horizons, said, “Our ongoing partnership with VOA furthers our commitment to make a meaningful difference across our communities. By working with this great organization, we can partner to make communities healthier and more resilient.”

Humana’s partnership with VOA began in 2019, with a total investment exceeding $31 million to improve housing and integrated healthcare for those in need. This collaboration represents a significant effort by Humana to advance health equity, particularly focusing on maternal health and addressing the social determinants of health.

Humana Healthy Horizons manages Medicaid benefits for approximately 1.3 million members nationwide, reflecting the company's commitment to providing comprehensive, integrated healthcare services. 

Through its various initiatives, Humana aims to improve the overall well-being of its members and the communities it serves.