Lincoln, Nebraska (Feb. 15, 2021) – The group division of Ameritas earns URAC full three-year accreditation for 2021-2024 in Health Utilization Management. The division, which provides dental insurance to customers nationwide, has been URAC accredited since 2008. In addition to dental, Ameritas group division offers vision and hearing insurance, and student loan repayment benefits to employers for their employees.
Karen Gustin, LLIF, executive vice president, Ameritas group division, said, “Ameritas is the first and only stand-alone dental insurance carrier to obtain URAC’s HUM accreditation. It reflects our expertise in performing dental claims utilization review, and our ongoing commitment to serving our customers and the dental professionals who provide them with quality care.”
URAC is the independent leader in promoting healthcare quality through leadership, accreditation, measurement and innovation. By achieving this status, Ameritas demonstrates a comprehensive commitment to quality care, improved processes and better patient outcomes. Accreditation by URAC is a nationally recognized and respected symbol of excellence.
URAC President and CEO Shawn Griffin, M.D., said, “Appropriateness and efficiency are words to live by in meeting value-based goals for population health. Ameritas’ URAC accreditation shows an ability to abide by the gold standard when it comes to performing Health Utilization Management functions. Our accreditation standards promote an evidence-based and reasonable review of services that respect both patients and providers.”
Sue Nemec, second vice president, Ameritas group customer connections and operations, explains, “While URAC accreditation focuses on the utilization review process in claims, the URAC audit process involves so much more. In addition to claims, it takes commitment and teamwork from areas like sales, marketing, compliance, special services, human resources, information technology, risk and enterprise security, and business continuity. With their continued commitment and attention to detail, our URAC audit score was 100%.”
There are 81 URAC standards that must be met, and Kristen Strasheim, manager – utilization review, leads the effort for Ameritas. Strasheim said, “The URAC accreditation seal of approval gives those we do business with an added level of confidence by allowing an independent third party to evaluate our utilization review process. URAC HUM accreditation shows that an organization adheres to evidence-based review of services. This benefits our plan members, as well as our dental providers.”
XXX
About Ameritas
Ameritas is a marketing name for Ameritas Mutual Holding Company and its affiliated subsidiary companies, including Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York. Founded in 1887, Ameritas offers a wide range of insurance and financial products and services to individuals, families and businesses. These products and services include life insurance; annuities; individual disability income insurance; group dental, vision and hearing care insurance; retirement plans; investments; asset management; and public finance. Securities offered through affiliate Ameritas Investment Company LLC., member FINRA/SIPC and investment advisory services offered through the business name of Ameritas Advisory Services.
About URAC
Founded in 1990, URAC is the independent leader in promoting healthcare quality through leadership, accreditation, measurement and innovation. URAC is a nonprofit organization using evidence-based measures and developing standards through inclusive engagement with a range of stakeholders committed to improving the quality of healthcare. Our portfolio of accreditation and certification programs span the healthcare industry, addressing healthcare management, healthcare operations, health plans, pharmacies, telehealth providers, physician practices and more. URAC accreditation is a symbol of excellence for organizations to showcase their validated commitment to quality and accountability. For more information, visit URAC.org.
