SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Aetna Better Health of Michigan, Inc., a CVS Health company, has earned Health Equity Accreditation and Health Equity Accreditation Plus from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). The accreditations recognize organizations that lead the market in providing culturally and linguistically sensitive services and that work to reduce health care inequities.

The NCQA Health Equity Accreditation evaluates how well an organization has established a standardized framework for turning health equity into a culture of continuous improvement. NCQA’s Health Equity Accreditation Plus builds on its Health Equity Accreditation framework to address inequities in care and health outcomes by:

• Partnering with community-based organizations
• Offering resources that support clinical and social needs
• Collecting data on community social risk factors and patients’ social needs
• Making clear to members and patients how their data are used, shared and protected

“Fostering an internal culture that supports diversity, equity and inclusion and closes gaps in health care is essential for meeting the needs of diverse populations,” said Teressa Smith, CEO, Aetna Better Health of Michigan, Inc. “Our work with Medicaid members is a journey and earning these accreditations demonstrate that we have the tools, systems, partnerships and resources to provide our members with the right care, while ensuring our care teams communicate clearly and efficiently with our members and with the providers dedicated to managing their overall health.”

The accreditations come after Aetna Better Health of Michigan, Inc., participated in an eight-month NCQA sponsored pilot to develop its Health Equity Accreditation Plus evaluation program. The health plan worked with NCQA to help test the concepts and application of the accreditation.

“Establishing robust health equity standards is critical to creating a health care system that works for all,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Vice President and Chief Health Equity Officer, CVS Health. “Our participation in the pilot and earning Health Equity Accreditation Plus reflects our commitment to addressing health disparities and ensuring everyone in Michigan and across the country has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible.”