Buffalo’s biggest health home stakes its claim among the state’s most populous region

(BUFFALO, N.Y., October 31, 2017) – The Greater Buffalo United Accountable Healthcare Network (GBUAHN) is now the sixth largest Medicaid Health Home in New York state. Western New York’s biggest health home has the largest membership outside health homes located in the New York City area. Latest data from the New York State Department of Health shows only health homes located in the Hudson River area, Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx have larger memberships than GBUAHN. GBUAHN now has 7,567 members and is larger than two health homes located in the Bronx. In addition, GBUAHN is the first and only health home organization in New York State to achieve National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) recognition for case management.

“Buffalo can be proud that we care so much about our citizens that GBUAHN is leading the way in Western New York when it comes to keeping people of all socio-economic groups healthy,” said GBUAHN CEO Dr. Raul Vazquez. “We are breaking down barriers to health care that many low income individuals face and we are making them healthier, improving the overall wellness of our city and region.”

Medicaid Health Homes were established under the Affordable Care Act to provide care coordination for Medicaid recipients with two or more chronic health conditions or a single qualifying condition such as a serious mental health condition or HIV/AIDS.

GBUAHN went live in February 2013 with only three employees. Currently, GBUAHN has more than 160 staff members. The health home recently opened a $6 million, 40,000-square-foot state-of-the-art medical facility on Niagara Street that houses Urban Family Practice (primary care); specialists’ offices; GBUAHN administrative and care coordination offices; a fitness center and a teaching kitchen.

GBUAHN is a free service that integrates all primary care, acute, behavioral health and long-term services and supports to treat the whole person. Care teams also work closely with members to get them all the services they need in the community (i.e. food, housing, and clothing). For more information on GBUAHN, visit www.gbuahn.org