Gov. Ricketts Highlights Efforts to Improve Health Outcomes for Underserved Communities in Nebraska

LINCOLN - Today, Governor Pete Ricketts held a press conference to highlight initiatives and organizations working to improve health outcomes for underserved communities in Nebraska.

The Governor was joined by Kevin Bagley, Director of the Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care at the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), as well as Jeff Stafford, Chief Executive Officer of UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Nebraska.  Additional participants included Dr. Maureen Tierney, Associate Dean and Chair of Clinical Research & Public Health for Creighton University; Mike Hornacek, Chief Executive Officer of Together; and Ashley Aubry, Public Health Hygienist for Creighton University School of Dentistry Healthy Smiles Program.

During the press conference, Governor Ricketts discussed the importance of targeting Medicaid dollars to effectively address the health needs of underserved communities.

“We know there are many factors that can impact an individual’s health,” said Governor Ricketts. “At the State, we are working with our Medicaid health plans to address the conditions that contribute to health outcomes.  This includes supporting work like the pediatric dentistry done by Healthy Smiles and nutrition programs provided by Together.  Thank you to our community partners, including UnitedHealthcare, for collaborating with us in this endeavor.”

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