Healthfirst

In this issue of Healthfirst in the Community, we look at the importance of being locally present and establishing strong relationships with local healthcare providers, community organizations, and key stakeholders. These collaborative efforts to address community health issues allow us to deliver high-quality, accessible healthcare services that positively impact the health and well-being of our members and the community.

Healthfirst is seeking a Director, Associate General Counsel. This role involves a broad range of legal and regulatory duties for Healthfirst and its subsidiaries, including staying updated with laws and regulations impacting managed care operations, interpreting new legal mandates, and securing approvals from the New York State Department of Health. Click for more information and to apply: https://myhf.org/4fOcAOa

Do you have experience working within the HIPAA Privacy Program? If so, join Healthfirst as our next Privacy Manager! Click for more information and to apply: https://myhf.org/3YLZ3QN

Healthfirst has dynamic team members from across the organization that help keep our members happy and healthy. Today, meet Ramanathan Ramasamy, Director Application Development on the Customer Digital Experience Program team at Healthfirst. Why did you join Healthfirst? What has been your favorite part of being an employee at Healthfirst? I joined Healthfirst because I was drawn to its innovative approach to healthcare and its mission to make a real difference in people's lives. The opportunity to work with a high-performing and forward-thinking team was too hard to resist. The best part of working at Healthfirst is the incredible team spirit and the chance to collaborate on projects that truly impact our community. It's inspiring to be part of a company that values both its employees and its mission.   Describe your career journey at Healthfirst and where you would like to see it go? Starting as a Senior Manager and now being promoted to Director of Application Development has not only been exciting, but also a great learning experience. I've grown both professionally and personally, and I'm eager to continue driving innovation and mentoring future leaders at Healthfirst.   What accomplishment are you most proud of in your career? Leading major initiatives that enhanced our operational efficiency and member satisfaction stands out as a highlight. It was a challenging one, but seeing the positive impact it had on our organization was incredibly rewarding. What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter your field? Stay curious and adaptable. Remember, trying and failing is better than not trying at all. The industry is always evolving, so it's important to keep learning and embracing new technologies. Building strong problem-solving skills and a collaborative mindset will also help you thrive in this field.  

Healthfirst has dynamic team members from across the organization that help keep our members happy and healthy. Today, meet Desha Dyett-Dennis, a Product Owner on the Corporate Business Technology Program team at Healthfirst. Why did you join Healthfirst? When I first joined as a temporary Executive Assistant for the Chief Legal Counsel, I learned about an open Paralegal position during my interview. This experience highlighted Healthfirst’s commitment to placing employees in roles that suit their skills and qualities. Healthfirst’s dedication to making a meaningful impact aligns seamlessly with my aspirations, reinforcing my decision to join and contribute to its mission. What has been your favorite part of being an employee at Healthfirst? My favorite aspect of being an employee at Healthfirst is the opportunity for growth. Transitioning from a temporary employee to a Product Owner demonstrates Healthfirst’s commitment to supporting developmental goals, provided you have the qualifications to achieve your professional aspirations. This success wouldn't have been possible without the support and belief of talented colleagues and mentors who have inspired and guided me and ensured I was positioned to reach my goals. Describe your career journey at HF and where you would like to see it go? My career journey has been both fulfilling and focused on growth. I have embraced challenges, actively pursued learning opportunities, and cultivated a supportive network around me. I am especially interested in honing and expanding my skills in project management and strategic planning, while also contributing to innovative projects that align with the company's mission. Ultimately, I aspire to be in a position where I can mentor others, drive impactful initiatives, and help shape the future direction of Healthfirst. Who inspires you? My mother has consistently been my greatest source of inspiration. She instilled in me the values of hard work and perseverance, showing that success is not handed out but earned through determination and resilience. Even during my moments of self-doubt, she has always believed in me. Her encouragement has motivated me to pursue my dreams and aim high. I admire her positivity and ability to find joy in all circumstances, and it's a quality I strive to embody each day.

Healthfirst and the Coalition of Asian-American Independent Practice Association (CAIPA, Inc.) gathered with community and elected leaders to celebrate the success of their recertification awareness campaign, which allowed 92% of Healthfirst members to maintain continuous access to their healthcare coverage. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eQzvgpjY “As a hyperlocal health plan serving close to two million New Yorkers, we understood that culturally competent education on the recertification process would make all the difference in whether someone loses or maintains access to their Medicaid coverage. Together with CAIPA, we successfully deployed a campaign that not only educated our members but kept our commitment to improving health equity top of mind.” - Errol L Pierre , Senior Vice President of State Programs at Healthfirst

Today we say goodbye to our summer interns who have been an incredible asset to our teams over the past ten weeks. This year’s class of 29 interns, including our inaugural cohort of Summer Medical Interns, brought enthusiasm, creativity, and a fresh perspective to Healthfirst. We couldn’t be more grateful for their contributions. We’re sad to see our interns go but excited for their next adventure. Please join us in wishing them all the best as they continue their studies, take on new challenges, and embark on a new journey.

The Healthfirst team is proud to join health professionals from across the country at the 2024 National Medical Association’s (NMA) Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly, one of the nation’s foremost forum on medical science and African American health. Attending the NMA Annual Convention and Scientific Assembly? Join Susan Beane, MD FACP, Exec. Medical Director from Healthfirst, at the Breakfast and Learn Session on Saturday, August 3rd or stop by our Healthfirst Exhibit Booth 228 August 4-6!

For the past eleven years Healthfirst has been a proud sponsor of Harmony Day which was started nearly 30 years ago to give young people in the Bronx a chance to interact and form relationships with police officers. In addition to taking part in a variety of fun activities, 4,000 children enrolled in local camp programs and church groups also learned about the role of physical activity in supporting a healthy lifestyle.

The New York healthcare system serves one of the world’s most racially and ethnically diverse populations. At Healthfirst alone, our nearly 2 million members represent 16+ ethnicities and speak more than 76 languages and dialects. We believe our industry should reflect, advocate, and take action every month if we want to erase the stark health disparities that exist in New York and across the nation. Click to read more from Kai-ping Wang, AVP, Medical Director, Pediatric Behavioral Health at Healthfirst. #NationalMinorityMentalHealthMonth