May 30, 2025   SOURCE: PR NewsWire

Sunflower Health Plan Champions Health Improvement Through Community Engagement in Kansas

2024 Community Impact Report Highlights Innovative Programs and Measurable Outcomes

LENEXA, Kan., May 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Across Kansas, communities face healthcare challenges like mental health concerns, food insecurity and unequal access to care. The new Community Impact Report from Sunflower Health Plan, a wholly owned subsidiary of Centene Corporation, showcases how the company is addressing these issues head-on through innovative partnerships and programs.

"In every corner of Kansas, our partnerships are delivering real solutions to real problems," said Michael Stephens, Sunflower president and CEO. "We're proud to stand with our community partners and remain committed to improving the health and well-being of every Kansan we serve."

Through service to members and collaboration with more than 300 organizations, Sunflower is advancing its mission: to transform the health of communities we serve, one person at a time.

Recognizing that health is shaped by more than medical care, Sunflower Health Plan invests in programs that address the broader social drivers of health--such as employment, housing, vaccinations, food access and education. These efforts are designed to empower individuals and strengthen communities.

2024 Highlights from the Community Impact Report:

    --  Improved Health Metrics. Sunflower endeavors to help its members get
        essential care, like preventive care, screenings and prenatal care.
        Notably, the postpartum care rate for Sunflower members increased nearly
        20% from 2019-2024.
    --  Member Days at Farmers Markets. The Sunflower farmers-market benefit
        gives Medicaid members dollars to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables.
        These events also support local economies and are opportunities for
        Sunflower staff to learn from members and help them make the most of the
        services available to them.
    --  High Member Satisfaction. For seven consecutive years, more than 95% of
        Sunflower members receiving long-term services and supports (LTSS) have
        reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the care management they
        receive.
    --  Supporting Education. Sunflower supports members in earning their GEDs
        and offers youth-focused programs on mental health, employability and
        more. Furthermore, Sunflower promotes its health coaching to help
        members make informed decisions about their care.
    --  Healthy Rewards. Sunflower rewards members when they complete specific
        activities to protect and advance their good health. My Health Pays(®)
        rewards can be used to pay for things like utilities and everyday
        essentials. Nearly 77% of members have active My Health Pays accounts.
    --  Creative Health Outreach. Sunflower invested in several pilot programs
        in 2024 to engage members in their care. For example, Shoes for Shots
        awarded 162 pairs of shoes to adolescent members who completed their HPV
        vaccination series.

These initiatives reflect Sunflower's deep commitment to building healthier, more resilient communities across Kansas.

"These connections have consistently served as the bedrock of Sunflower's local health-centric approach and will remain the compass directing the company through 2025 and beyond," Stephens added.

To explore the full 2024 Community Impact Report and other ways Sunflower supports Kansans' health and prosperity, visit www.sunflowerhealthplan.com/responsibility.html.

About Sunflower Health Plan
Sunflower Health Plan, a subsidiary of Centene Corporation, is a managed care organization established to deliver quality healthcare in the state of Kansas through local, regional and community-based resources. Sunflower is committed to improving the health of its beneficiaries through focused, compassionate and coordinated care in an approach based on the core belief that quality healthcare is best delivered locally. For more information, please visit www.sunflowerhealthplan.com.

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SOURCE Sunflower Health Plan