In Your ֲýapp Archives - ֲýapp /category/spotlight/in-your-community/ ֲýapp Cares Fri, 26 Jun 2026 17:21:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.4 /wp-content/uploads/2021/03/favicon-25pt-512x512-1-150x150.png In Your ֲýapp Archives - ֲýapp /category/spotlight/in-your-community/ 32 32 ֲýapp Supports New Spanish-Language Platform in Houston /spotlight/in-your-community/community-health-choice-spanish-platform-houston/ Fri, 26 Jun 2026 16:55:14 +0000 /?p=16440 ֲýapp Supports New Spanish-Language Platform in Houston ֲýapp is proud to support efforts that bring trusted, relevant information to the diverse communities we serve. The Houston […]

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ֲýapp Supports New Spanish-Language Platform in Houston

ֲýapp is proud to support efforts that bring trusted, relevant information to the diverse communities we serve.

The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (HHCC) has launched a new Spanish-language program on Telemundo Houston, “Conversaciones con Dra. Laura Murillo”. The show will share stories, leadership insights, and helpful information for Hispanic families across our city.

This work is closely connected to ֲýapp through the leadership of our President and CEO, Lisa Wright.

Lisa serves on HHCC’s Board of Directors, helping guide efforts that strengthen the Hispanic community in Houston. Through her role, ֲýapp stays aligned with initiatives that expand access and create more opportunities for the people we serve.

This new program reflects a real need we see every day.

Many families face challenges finding clear, reliable information about their health. Language barriers and limited access can make it harder to understand care and available resources.

“Conversaciones con Dra. Laura Murillo” helps close that gap by bringing culturally relevant information directly to the community in Spanish, in a way that is easy to understand and part of everyday life.

At ֲýapp, this is the work that drives us. As a local, nonprofit health plan, we are committed to helping our members stay informed, supported, and confident in their care.

Through strong leadership and partnerships, we continue to support efforts that make information more accessible and help people take control of their health. 

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ֲýapp Partners with Blueberry Pediatrics /spotlight/in-your-community/community-health-choice-partners-with-blueberry-pediatrics/ Mon, 01 Jun 2026 21:07:41 +0000 /?p=16385 ֲýapp Partners with Blueberry Pediatrics to Bring 24/7 Virtual Pediatric Care to Medicaid Families across southeast Texas New collaboration brings enhanced pediatric care and the tools to diagnose […]

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ֲýapp Partners with Blueberry Pediatrics to Bring 24/7 Virtual Pediatric Care to Medicaid Families across southeast Texas

New collaboration brings enhanced pediatric care and the tools to diagnose and treat children from home

ֲýapp, a local nonprofit managed care organization serving more than 454,000 members, and Blueberry Pediatrics announced a partnership to offer 24/7 virtual pediatric care to ֲýapp Medicaid members and their families.

ֲýapp serves a large and diverse Medicaid population across southeast Texas, where families often face persistent barriers to timely care, including scheduling delays, long wait times, and limited after-hours availability. As a result, many families rely on urgent care or the emergency room for conditions that could be treated in more convenient, lower-cost settings.

To address this gap, ֲýapp is expanding pediatric care beyond traditional clinical settings and into the home through a new collaboration with Blueberry Pediatrics.

Blueberry Pediatrics provides 24/7 virtual care with board-certified pediatricians through secure messaging, video, and audio visits available in English and Spanish. The service is supported by in-home diagnostic tools that enable real clinical assessment from home. Every enrolled family receives a Blueberry medical kit, which includes a digital otoscope (earscope), pulse oximeter, and thermometer. These tools allow physicians to safely diagnose and treat a wide range of common childhood illnesses without requiring an in-person visit. Together, this combination of virtual care and at-home diagnostics helps families access pediatric care by giving them a convenient, cost-effective alternative to urgent care or emergency room visits.

“ֲýapp is committed to improving access to care for the families we serve across Southeast Texas,” said Darrin Johnson, Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer at ֲýapp. “Our partnership with Blueberry Pediatrics expands our ability to deliver timely, high-quality pediatric care in a way that is convenient, accessible, and responsive to the real needs of our Members.”

By addressing the gap between when children get sick and when care is available, the Blueberry model helps reduce avoidable emergency department utilization and lower costs while improving the overall experience for families. Instead of waiting days for an appointment or rearranging schedules and missing work, parents can connect with a pediatrician immediately and get answers in real time.

“Too often, families are forced into high-cost settings simply because they can’t access care at the right time,” said Rich Berner, Chief Executive Officer of Blueberry Pediatrics. “We are privileged to be working with ֲýapp to change that by giving families in southeast Texas immediate access to pediatricians who can diagnose and treat a sick child in real time, from home. This, in turn, reduces costs for the plan in reduced ED use.”

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving access, reducing avoidable costs, and delivering high-quality care for Medicaid families across Texas.

Eligible ֲýapp members with children up to 19 years old residing outside of Harris County will have access to Blueberry as part of their benefits during the initial rollout phase.

About ֲýapp

ֲýapp (ֲýapp) is a non-profit 501(c)(4) managed care organization licensed by the Texas Department of Insurance, serving the local community. Established in 1997 and based in Houston, Texas, ֲýapp provides affordable and no-cost health insurance plans for Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Plans (CHIP), STAR+PLUS Texas Medicaid for adults age 65 or older or adults with disabilities, Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) for eligible individuals who have both Medicare and Medicaid, and the Health Insurance Marketplace, to more than 454,000 residents of Texas. Committed to its mission, ֲýapp aims to improve the health and well-being of underserved Texans by opening doors to coordinated, high-quality, affordable health care and health-related social services. ֲýapp is URAC and NCQA accredited. For further information, visit ֲýappHealthChoice.org.

About Blueberry Pediatrics

Blueberry Pediatrics provides 24/7 virtual pediatric care delivered by board-certified pediatricians using in-home diagnostic tools that enable real clinical assessment from anywhere. Blueberry partners with health plans to expand access, reduce avoidable emergency department utilization, lower costs, and improve health outcomes for children and their families.

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2025 Press Ganey Pinnacle of Excellence Awards Winner /spotlight/in-your-community/community-health-choice-recognized-with-two-2025-press-ganey-pinnacle-of-excellence-awards/ Thu, 22 Jan 2026 21:12:32 +0000 /?p=15815 ֲýapp Recognized with Two 2025 Press Ganey Pinnacle of Excellence Awards We are proud to announce that ֲýapp has received two 2025 Press Ganey Pinnacle of […]

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ֲýapp Recognized with Two 2025 Press Ganey Pinnacle of Excellence Awards

We are proud to announce that ֲýapp has received two 2025 Press Ganey Pinnacle of Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding performance based on member experience data. These honors distinguish health plans that rank among the top performers nationwide in CAHPS® results.

The awards recognize ֲýapp for:

  • Exceptional Doctors and Quality of Care CAHPS Ratings, and

  • Outstanding Plan Services CAHPS Ratings across our HMO and CHIP+STAR service lines.

The Pinnacle of Excellence distinction is based entirely on member feedback. These results reflect how individuals experience care and service in real moments—during appointments, phone calls, and interactions that shape trust and satisfaction over time.

Achieving this level of performance requires consistent effort across the organization. From frontline staff and care teams to provider partners and operational leaders, these results reflect a shared focus on responsiveness, accountability, and respect for the communities we support.

Member feedback plays a central role in how ֲýapp improves our services. By listening closely and working collaboratively with partners, we continuously refine how care is delivered to better meet the needs of our Members

This recognition reflects the dedication of both our team and the Members who shared their experiences. As we move into the year ahead, these awards reaffirm our commitment to advancing quality, strengthening partnerships, and delivering care with purpose.

ֲýapp extends sincere thanks to our Members, providers, and employees whose efforts made this achievement possible.

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Celebrating Leadership: Lisa Wright Featured in Insights Care /uncategorized/celebrating-leadership-lisa-wright-featured-in-insights-care/ Fri, 02 May 2025 20:22:29 +0000 /?p=14426 Celebrating Leadership: Lisa Wright Featured in Insights Care We are proud to share that Lisa Wright, the President and CEO of ֲýapp, was featured in Insights Care magazine. […]

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Celebrating Leadership: Lisa Wright Featured in Insights Care

We are proud to share that Lisa Wright, the President and CEO of ֲýapp, was featured in Insights Care magazine.

The article, titled “Lisa Wright: From Compassion to Leadership,” highlights Lisa’s journey, from her beginnings at the National Marrow Donor Program to leading ֲýapp through one of the most transformative periods in healthcare.

Lisa’s career is built on compassion, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to underserved communities. Under her leadership, ֲýapp has established over 100 community partnerships, and launched innovative programs addressing mental health, maternal health disparities, and non-medical drivers of health.

Her strategic vision ushered in new services such as:

  • A Member-focused mobile app for easier healthcare access.
  • Expansion into STAR+PLUS to better serve seniors and people with disabilities.
  • Partnerships for mental health screening in children and support programs for homeless populations.

Lisa’s leadership philosophy, “Run it like you own it,” is reflected in how ֲýapp has evolved into a resilient, innovative health plan that not only delivers insurance coverage but actively shapes healthier futures for Southeast Texans.

You can read the full Insights Care feature here:

We’re honored to have Lisa leading ֲýapp into a future defined by compassion, innovation, and meaningful impact.

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ֲýapp’s Commitment in Action /uncategorized/communitys-commitment-in-action/ Tue, 04 Mar 2025 22:07:22 +0000 /?p=14285 Building a Healthier Houston ֲýapp is committed to ensuring that healthcare and wellness resources are accessible to everyone, especially those who need them most. We believe that real […]

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Building a Healthier Houston

ֲýapp is committed to ensuring that healthcare and wellness resources are accessible to everyone, especially those who need them most. We believe that real impact comes from actively reaching out—meeting people where they are rather than expecting them to find us. That’s why, on March 1, 2025, we hosted a ֲýapp Health and Wellness Fair.

In collaboration with local healthcare providers, we offered attendees free health screenings, nutrition education, and access to essential community resources. Recognizing that wellness extends beyond medical care, we also partnered with higher education institutions, workforce organizations, veterans’ services, and refugee support groups. By addressing health and social needs, we provided families and individuals with comprehensive support to help them thrive.

Attendees left with valuable health insights and a stronger connection to local organizations dedicated to their well-being. This event was a testament to the power of community-driven healthcare solutions and the meaningful change we can create together.

As we continue our commitment to building a healthier Houston, we invite you to be part of the movement. Join us at an upcoming event, explore available health resources, and stay engaged by visiting our website and following us on social media.

A special thank you to Telemundo Houston for featuring our event and helping to spread awareness, as well as to our partners who made this event a success. Together, we’re making a difference—one ֲýapp at a time.

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Advancing Maternal Health in Texas /uncategorized/communitys-push-for-holistic-maternal-care/ Wed, 05 Feb 2025 18:22:16 +0000 /?p=14233 ֲýapp Leads the Charge in Supporting Texas Families Access to maternal health services in Texas has long been a challenge, especially for families facing housing uncertainty, food insecurity, […]

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ֲýapp Leads the Charge in Supporting Texas Families

Access to maternal health services in Texas has long been a challenge, especially for families facing housing uncertainty, food insecurity, and transportation challenges. Recognizing these struggles, the Texas state legislature has recently taken steps to address non-medical needs for pregnant women, including passing a bill that allows Medicaid reimbursement for community health workers and doulas—non-medical professionals who guide women through pregnancy and postpartum care. Even though the reimbursement rates are low, it is a first step toward integrating these services into the healthcare system.

But while the Texas legislature only recently passed the reimbursement bill, ֲýapp has long been a leader of this initiative, using its network of community health workers to conduct non-medical screenings and connect families with vital resources.

Lisa Wright, President and CEO of ֲýapp, has been a champion of a holistic approach to maternal health care for more than 20 years. Since 2020, she has guided ֲýapp with the idea that a healthy pregnancy needs more than just medical appointments, it involves making sure that expectant mothers have a place to call home and transportation not only to medical appointments but also to stores for food, baby products, and other essential resources.

Lisa emphasized this point in a recent Texas Tribune interview, stating, “We often think about getting a patient to and from the doctor, but can they get to the pharmacy? Can they stop at the store because they may have to pick up baby items?” By addressing these challenges early, ֲýapp has improved outcomes for both mothers and children, reducing missed appointments and making sure treatment plans are completed.

Lisa also acknowledged that the real challenge is making sure that the social services infrastructure can meet increasing demand. “We’re dealing with a population with a lot going on in their lives, and you want to be that one stable force,” she said. “When someone is experiencing an issue, they can’t simply take a phone number for a resource. You’re going to have to, at least the first time, hold their hand through the process.”

ֲýapp, under Lisa’s leadership, continues to advocate for expanded services and sustainable funding. Our work highlights the importance of treating healthcare as more than just doctor’s visits– it’s about wrapping support around families to ensure healthier pregnancies and brighter futures for Texas children.

But there is still more work to be done. We invite policymakers, healthcare providers, and community partners to join our effort in expanding access to these critical services. Whether through advocacy, collaboration, or direct support, we can work together to make maternal health care more accessible and equitable for all Texas families.

Read the full Texas Tribune article featuring CEO Lisa Wright below:

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Navigating Health Insurance with ֲýapp /uncategorized/navigating-insurance/ Wed, 23 Oct 2024 17:37:28 +0000 /?p=13776 Navigating health insurance can be complex and costly. That’s why Lisa Wright, President and CEO of ֲýapp, recently appeared on Great Day Houston to help viewers better understand […]

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Navigating health insurance can be complex and costly. That’s why Lisa Wright, President and CEO of ֲýapp, recently appeared on Great Day Houston to help viewers better understand their options. During her interview, Lisa explained how ֲýapp is helping Houstonians access affordable, quality healthcare, particularly for those who need it most.

Texas has the highest percentage of uninsured residents in the country, with over a million people in Harris County alone lacking coverage. Lisa discussed how this impacts not just individuals but the entire healthcare system: Many people without insurance do not receive care until it becomes an emergency, driving up costs for everyone. To combat this reality, ֲýapp offers a range of affordable plans, including CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) and D-SNP (Dual Special Needs Plan), so that individuals and families can receive care without financial strain.

One important takeaway from Lisa’s interview was the importance of prevention. “Prevention is key,” she emphasized, noting that routine care, such as dental checkups or mammograms, helps prevent more serious health issues later in life. She urged viewers to take a proactive approach to their well-being and trust ֲýapp to help access vital preventative care services.

With open enrollment beginning November 1st, Lisa encouraged everyone to revisit their health insurance options for the coming year. She emphasized that ֲýapp provides affordable coverage without sacrificing quality, offering access to nearly every major hospital system in Houston. Members can rest assured they are receiving the best care available.

Health insurance doesn’t have to be confusing or out of reach. ֲýapp is here to help every step of the way, ensuring Houstonians have the support they need to live healthier lives through preventive care and affordable, accessible insurance plans.

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Managing Health from ֲýapp to Classroom /uncategorized/managing-health-from-community-to-classroom/ Wed, 07 Aug 2024 19:16:53 +0000 /?p=13376 For many families, back-to-school season is not only an exciting time for both busy parents and eager students, but an opportunity for reassessing their children’s health and well-being. As summer […]

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For many families, back-to-school season is not only an exciting time for both busy parents and eager students, but an opportunity for reassessing their children’s health and well-being. As summer winds down and students adjust their sleep schedules, ֲýapp stands ready to ensure that children across the city are prepared for the school year with both school and health resources.

Earlier this week, ֲýapp President and CEO Lisa Wright appeared on KPRC-Channel 2 to share her insights on the relationship between ֲýapp-sponsored back-to-school events and an overall approach to health. During the back-to-school season, ֲýapp sponsors many events that provide students with free school supplies, as well as free health assessments and immunizations. These events are designed to keep children and their families relaxed and happy, focusing on their well-being, and include activities such as food, arts and crafts, and family-friendly fun.

During the interview, Lisa emphasized that, “ֲýapp, of course, we are a managed-care organization, but we do recognize that in order for people to truly be able to focus on their health, you not only have to take care of your physical health, but your mental health and your social health, and so that’s why we participate in these [events].”

For parents, educators, and community members, her message is clear: An overall approach to health is essential for our children’s success and happiness. By working together and supporting these events and other initiatives, we can help ensure that students not only excel academically but also thrive in all aspects of their lives.

Let’s work together to make this school year a healthy and successful one for all our students!

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Better Together: A Mental Health Roundtable /uncategorized/2nd-roundtable/ Wed, 03 Jul 2024 18:37:58 +0000 /?p=13289 Discussing Mental Health with ֲýapp Partners On June 24, 2024, ֲýapp hosted a second partnership roundtable. The title of this event was “Better Together: A ֲýapp Conversation on […]

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Discussing Mental Health with ֲýapp Partners

On June 24, 2024, ֲýapp hosted a second partnership roundtable. The title of this event was “Better Together: A ֲýapp Conversation on Mental Health and Wellness.” and was led by ֲýapp’s President and CEO Lisa Wright. The event brought together leaders from across the area to engage in meaningful conversations about mental health and care.

The roundtable kicked off with opening remarks from Lisa, who underscored the critical nature of addressing mental health in our communities. “When I think about moving forward, it’s about understanding who does what well and who can help in each situation,” Wright remarked, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts among community partners.

Throughout the discussion, topics ranged from patient care and necessary improvements in mental health services to innovative approaches for reaching underserved populations. By bringing together a diverse array of voices, the roundtable highlighted the multifaceted nature of mental health and explored strategies to promote mental wellness in the community.

Key conversations at the roundtable included identifying barriers to access, the importance of early intervention, the need to build trust with patients, and exploring strategies to improve mental health support. Dr. Jamie Freeny of Mental Health America of Greater Houston emphasized the significance of these discussions, stating, “The discussion was crucial because it allowed us to examine the intersections of healthcare and education.”

The roundtable also addressed the alarming statistics surrounding mental health care in Texas. Currently, Texas ranks last in the nation for access to mental health professionals and treatment options. This stark reality underscores the necessity of continued dialogue and action. By facilitating these conversations, ֲýapp aims to drive change and encourage more open discussions about mental health, ultimately leading to better support for those in need. The collaborative spirit and shared insights from the those who attended will help in shaping future initiatives and discussions surrounding mental health care and accessibility.

ֲýapp looks forward to building on the momentum generated by this event and working closely with partners to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for mental health and wellness in our area.

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ֲýapp’s Welcome Home Celebration /uncategorized/celebrating-communitys-move-to-a-new-building/ Tue, 07 May 2024 19:08:38 +0000 /?p=13136 Celebrating ֲýapp’s Move to a New Building! On April 27, 2024, ֲýapp reached a major milestone as we gathered members and staff to celebrate the move to our new building. […]

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Celebrating ֲýapp's Move to a New Building!

On April 27, 2024, ֲýapp reached a major milestone as we gathered members and staff to celebrate the move to our new building. The celebration took place at our new office location at 4888 Loop Central Drive.

The day was filled with food, family fun, and an atmosphere of togetherness that underlined the true spirit of a community.

ֲýapp chose a more spacious office to better accommodate staff and ֲýapp members in our ongoing effort to expand access to affordable, quality healthcare resources for families all across Houston.

The move to the new building was no easy process and ֲýapp would like to extend a warm thank you to its staff for their flexibility during the moving process and for their continued dedication to helping those in need.

While our old building holds many memories of the lives ֲýapp has touched, this event marked the beginning of a new chapter for ֲýapp, one filled with gratitude and optimism. The opening of these doors represents ֲýapp’s continuing mission to open the doors of hope and healing for every Houston resident.

We can’t wait to welcome you to our beautiful new home!

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