UTICA, N.Y. —New York City–based VNS Health announced it has entered into an agreement with Mohawk Valley Health System (MVHS) to enroll former members of MVHS’s Senior Network Health managed long-term care plan (MLTC) into VNS Health’s MLTC plan.
Under the agreement, MVHS would continue to play a role in the care of homebound elderly individuals and people with disabilities in Herkimer and Oneida counties where Senior Network Health has been operating. Senior Network Health was slated to cease operations as of June 1, according to a press release.
MVHS also recently announced it will close its adult day health care program, effective June 7.
“MVHS is excited to be working with VNS Health to continue caring for our Senior Network Health members,” Amy Bowerman, MVHS VP of post-acute/rehabilitation services, said in the release. “Our priority is to ensure the individuals in the community who need assistance with day-to-day health maintenance and support activities are able to continue to receive care in the comforts of their home with the caring faces of family and friends nearby.”
According to the MVHS website, services offered through Senior Network Health included adult day health care or social day care, audiology, dental care, medical equipment, some meals, home health care, home health aides, various therapies, home safety modifications, housekeeping, medication management, nursing home care, optometry, podiatry, social and environmental supports, and transportation.
The new agreement with VNS Health is in keeping with provisions enacted in the 2023-2024 state budget that require all MLTCs to have a Medicare Advantage Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) with three or more stars.
With approval from the New York State Department of Health, the partnership will allow MLTC members from Senior Network Health to transfer to VNS Health or to choose another MLTC plan in the area.
Although based in the city, VNS Health already served about 200 members through its existing MLTC plan in Herkimer and Oneida counties. Under the agreement, VNS Health will automatically take on any of the about 350 members now enrolled in Senior Network Health who did not elect to join another MLTC plan in the area following a 60-day window after notification of the transition.
“VNS Health is proud to partner with the Mohawk Valley Health System in Central New York,” VNS Health President/CEO Dan Savitt said. “We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for Senior Network Health plan members with no disruption or change in care for members moving over to our VNS Health MLTC plan. We are honored to be chosen as MVHS’s preferred partner for providing outstanding MLTC benefits and services in Herkimer and Oneida counties.”
VNS Health is a nonprofit home and community-based health-care organization. It provides home health and hospice services in and around New York City. The organization also operates MLTC plans in a number of counties around the state including Herkimer, Madison, Oneida, Onondaga, and Otsego counties.
Mohawk Valley Health System is the parent company of Wynn Hospital as well as MVHS Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and the Visiting Nurse Association of Utica and Oneida County. The MVHS Medical Group operates 15 primary care locations in the Mohawk Valley.