In a world where accessing quality healthcare remains a challenge for many, VERDA Healthcare emerges as a ray of hope, led by a compassionate team of professionals who share a common core belief: healthcare is a basic human right, not a privilege. With an unwavering dedication to breaking down barriers and bridging gaps, VERDA Healthcare is more than just a Medicare Advantage Plan—it’s a lifeline for communities often neglected and underserved.

Based in Huntington Beach, California, and with multiple locations in the Greater Houston area, VERDA Healthcare is on a mission to serve. Their primary goal? To empower individuals aged 65 and older, as well as those under 65 with qualifying disabilities, with solutions that are seamlessly accessible and culturally sensitive.

VERDA Healthcare goes beyond merely providing medical services—it’s about empathy and understanding. It’s about recognizing the unique needs and backgrounds of diverse communities, particularly Asian-American, Hispanic-American, and Arab-American populations. It’s about providing more than just healthcare—it’s about offering personalized benefits that resonate with the heart and soul of each individual.

In an exclusive interview with CIO Bulletin, Frank S. Vo, CEO of VERDA Healthcare, discussed how he and his team are not only changing lives but also reshaping the perception of healthcare through their steadfast dedication to providing exceptional care.

Interview Highlights

Q. What inspired the creation of VERDA Healthcare, and what specific needs or gaps in healthcare services did the founders identify within underserved ethnic communities?

VERDA Healthcare was inspired by the founders’ recognition of significant disparities in healthcare access and outcomes within underserved ethnic communities. A key disparity is the lack of cultural competence. Many healthcare services and benefit plans do not adequately address the cultural nuances and preferences of ethnic communities, leading to mistrust and underutilization of healthcare resources.

Q. Can you tell us about the unique features and benefits of VERDA Healthcare’s Medicare Advantage Plan, especially tailored for individuals aged 65 and older in Asian-American, Hispanic American, and Arab-American communities?

VERDA Healthcare has thoughtfully designed innovative benefit packages combined with a diverse network of local community physicians that represent these unique cultures. These offerings include chiropractic, acupuncture, personal health spa services, assistance with gas and utilities, and other value-added supplemental benefits focused on promoting overall health and well-being.

Q. How does VERDA Healthcare ensure equitable access to healthcare services for individuals living in predominantly underserved ethnic communities across the United States?

VERDA Healthcare’s model of care is based on a senior member experience approach built around community outreach and engagement, cultural competence, sensitivity, and language access services. It focuses on local geographic accessibility, affordable healthcare options, health education and prevention programs, and culturally enhanced services.

Q. VERDA Healthcare emphasizes a patient-focused approach to healthcare. Could you elaborate on some of the patient-centric initiatives or programs implemented by the company to enhance the healthcare experience for its members?

Certainly! VERDA Healthcare and our physician organization partners prioritize a patient-focused approach to healthcare, aiming to enhance the healthcare experience for its members through various initiatives and programs. Examples include welcome and member engagement calls, care management teams, telehealth services, health and wellness programs, member advocacy services, as well as quality and satisfaction surveys.

Q. Innovation plays a key role in VERDA Healthcare’s mission. Can you share some examples of innovative solutions or technologies that VERDA has implemented to address healthcare disparities and improve health outcomes in diverse, ethnic communities?

VERDA Healthcare is committed to providing creative, accessible solutions to make healthcare more available to our senior members. We are introducing a community center approach, inviting our members to drop in for light exercise classes, access membership resources and counseling, or engage in social interaction. We are actively finalizing the locations and program offerings.

Additionally, we are excited to announce our contract with Teladoc for free telehealth services, focusing on urgent care, mental health resources, and health education. We also offer an interactive member portal. Lastly, VERDA Healthcare is partnering with Radiant Graph, tapping into AI to offer impactful solutions.

Q. What strategies does VERDA Healthcare employ to foster inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in its healthcare delivery model, particularly when serving diverse ethnic communities?

VERDA Healthcare employs several strategies to foster inclusivity and cultural sensitivity in its healthcare delivery model, especially when serving diverse ethnic communities. These strategies include diverse staff representation, cultural competence training, language access services, community engagement, and partnerships, as well as fostering a culture of respect for diversity and inclusion within our organization.

Q. Can you share any success stories or testimonials from VERDA Healthcare members that highlight the positive impact of the company’s Medicare Advantage Plan on their lives and well-being?

At VERDA Healthcare, the success of our Medicare Advantage Plan is measured not only by the services we provide but also by the positive impact we have on the lives of our members. Here’s what one of our valued members had to say about their experience with VERDA Healthcare:

“Everyone I interacted with at VERDA was amazing. I am thrilled to be enrolled in a plan that cares so much about seniors. You just don’t find that now and days. Every chance I get I am going to spread the word about VERDA Health Plan of Texas because this is the plan to be on!” - A.W.

Q. Looking ahead, what are VERDA Healthcare’s future plans and goals for expanding its reach and impact within underserved ethnic communities, as well as its broader vision for transforming the healthcare landscape?

VERDA Healthcare is actively working on developing and expanding local member community centers throughout our existing service areas and new markets. Additionally, we are collaborating with local senior centers and faith-based organizations to address specific cultural needs.

Moreover, we plan to expand into other counties in Texas, as well as other states, with a focus on member engagement, creative benefit packages, and a value-based model of care. Lastly, we will invest in technology innovation to further improve access to healthcare services and enhance the member experience while addressing social determinants of health.

The Ardent Visionary behind VERDA Healthcare’s Unwavering Success

Frank S. Vo has extensive experience as a CEO, CFO, and COO in various HMO plans featuring Chronic Special Needs Programs in Southern California. He co-launched and founded three Medicare health plans: Honored Citizens Choice Health Plan, Easy Choice Health Plan, and Astiva Health. In addition to overseeing health plan operations, he served as an executive sponsor and program manager for multiple healthcare-managed outsourcing and software development organizations, including Vitech Inc., Ika Systems, and Cognizant/Trizetto.

Mr. Vo holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and Econometrics with a specialization in Business Administration and Computing from the University of California, Los Angeles.

“VERDA Healthcare and our physician organization partners prioritize a patient-focused approach to healthcare, aiming to enhance the healthcare experience for its members through various initiatives and programs.”

“VERDA Healthcare is committed to providing creative, accessible solutions to make healthcare more available to our senior members. We are introducing a community center approach, inviting our members to drop in for light exercise classes, access membership resources and counseling, or engage in social interaction.”