• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Michigan Association of Health Plans Honors Three Outstanding Health Care Advocates

Posted on: Tuesday, 25 July 2006, 18:01 CDT

LANSING, Mich., July 25 /PRNewswire/ -- Three major awards in the health care industry were presented at the 21st Annual Summer Conference of the Michigan Association of Health Plans (MAHP) on July 17 in Acme, MI.

Bobby Jones, past president of MAHP and senior vice-president Medicaid/coach for Coventry Health Plan, is the 2006 recipient of the Ellis J. Bonner Outstanding Achievement Award. Senator Bob Emerson was awarded MAHP's Eugene B. Farnum Award, and Janet Olszewski, director of the Michigan Department of Community Health, was honored with the MAHP President's Recognition Award.

The Ellis J. Bonner Award is MAHP's most prestigious award. This award was initiated in 1995 to honor Ellis James Bonner who was the president and CEO of The Wellness Plan/Comprehensive Health Services. His tireless efforts to create an accessible and just health coverage system responsive to the needs of Michigan citizens earned him not only the respect of health care professionals but also a place in the hearts of those who witnessed his ongoing efforts to mentor young people coming up through the ranks.

Bobby Jones meets the criteria of service, leadership, and contribution to the managed care industry many times over. He has been CEO and CFO of major health plans in Michigan and has led two organizations through major transitions. His exemplary public service is legendary and he has been a respected mentor of many health plan personnel.

MAHP initiated the Eugene B. Farnum Award in memory of its long-time executive director, Eugene B. Farnum, who passed away in October 2003. Mr. Farnum was keenly in tune with complexities of the state legislative and administrative process. He was a master of the art of compromise. His quiet heroism and confidence in the legislative process was an example of true statesmanship.

Sharing Gene Farnum's understanding of the need for collaborative bridges, Senator Emerson has built may bridges by successfully fostering both balanced collaboration and consensus to achieve necessary and critical health care access, cost containment and quality. Michigan's citizens are better off today as a result of Senator Emerson's efforts.

This year, the Association created and presented the MAHP President's Recognition Award to recognize outstanding contribution to developing a first- class health system for Michigan. Janet Olszewski was selected as this year's recipient for her tireless effort and commitment to develop and bring health care services to Michigan's uninsured population as she oversees the design of the Michigan First Insurance Initiative. As a result of Ms. Olszewski's creative and insightful leadership, Michigan now is experiencing a new energy and excitement that will guide development for essential health care delivery for Michigan's uninsured population.

The Michigan Association of Health Plans (MAHP) is an industry voice for 26 health care plans, covering more than 2.1 million Michigan residents, 9 limited-service members and 39 businesses affiliated with the health care industry. MAHP facilitates communication among members, government, and the industry regarding health care issues of common concern. The mission of the Michigan Association of Health Plans is to provide leadership for the promotion and advocacy of high quality, affordable, accessible health care for the citizens of Michigan.

Michigan Association of Health Plans

CONTACT: Richard Murdock, Executive Director, or Gail Campana, Directorof Education/Communication, of Michigan Association of Health Plans,+1-517-371-3181

Web site: http://mahp.org/

Source: PRNewswire

More News in this Category