Prestige Health Choice, a Medicaid managed care plan serving 55 of Florida's 67 counties and a joint venture between AmeriHealth Caritas and Florida Blue, announced today that Sandra Schwemmer, D.O., FACOEP-D, FACEP, FAAOE, LHRM, has been appointed chief medical officer.

In her new role at Prestige Health Choice, Dr. Schwemmer will lead the plan's clinical activities. Dr. Schwemmer will also advance the health plan's quality program, engage with providers in the community, assist in practice transformation and aid providers' transitions to value-based care. Prior to joining Prestige Health Choice, Dr. Schwemmer served as chief medical officer for a prominent health system and health maintenance organization (HMO) headquartered in Palm Beach County.

During her career, Dr. Schwemmer has actively engaged throughout the state of Florida to strengthen pre-hospital medical care and develop systems of care for trauma and time-sensitive medical conditions. She formerly served as medical director for the Palm Beach County Trauma Agency, where she oversaw quality management and daily operations of the trauma system in Palm Beach County, enhancing services and developing protocols that increased access to care and reduced mortality rates.

Dr. Schwemmer is certified in emergency medicine by the American Board of Osteopathic Emergency Medicine and a distinguished fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians. In 2015 she was appointed by Florida Governor Rick Scott to the Board of Osteopathic Medicine for the state's Department of Health. She also has served on the National Board of Directors of the American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians, the Board of Directors of Florida Medical Quality Assurance Inc. and the Board of Governors of the Health Professions Division at Nova Southeastern University.

"We are fortunate to have Dr. Schwemmer join the plan as chief medical officer," said Prestige Health Choice President Dwight D. Chenette, M.P.H., M.B.A. "Her experience and knowledge in emergency medicine and quality health care delivery across Florida prepare her to have an immediate impact. Her experience working with Florida physicians and her commitment to serve vulnerable populations make her an ideal selection for this role."

Public service and community engagement have been longstanding hallmarks of Dr. Schwemmer's career, as evidenced by multiple appointments and service at local, regional and state levels. She has built sustainable, long-term relationships with health care leaders throughout the state.

"In many cases, it can be difficult to attain good health without access to resources that address the social, environmental, cultural and physical factors that can impact one's health and well-being," said Dr. Schwemmer. "As such, my colleagues at Prestige Health Choice and I are leveraging our partnerships with local providers and agencies to address both the medical needs and social determinants that impact so many of Florida's Medicaid beneficiaries."

About Prestige Health Choice

Prestige Health Choice is a Medicaid managed care plan serving members in 55 of Florida's 67 counties. Prestige's strength is founded on its longstanding provider partnerships, particularly with federally qualified health centers and other safety-net providers. A Florida-based company, Prestige is owned and operated by Florida True Health, a joint venture of AmeriHealth Caritas and Florida Blue. For more information, visit www.prestigehealthchoice.com.

About AmeriHealth Caritas 

AmeriHealth Caritas is part of the Independence Health Group in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. AmeriHealth Caritas is one of the nation's leaders in health care solutions for those most in need. Operating in 17 states and the District of Columbia, AmeriHealth Caritas serves more than 5.7 million Medicaid, Medicare and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) members through its integrated managed care products, pharmaceutical benefit management and specialty pharmacy services, behavioral health services, and other administrative services. Headquartered in Philadelphia, AmeriHealth Caritas is a mission-driven organization with more than 30 years of experience serving low-income and chronically ill populations. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritas.com.

About Florida Blue

Florida Blue is a leader in Florida's health care industry. Its mission to help people and communities achieve better health, Florida Blue has 5 million health care members, with nearly 18 million people in 12 states served through its affiliated companies. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Fla., it is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information, visit www.floridablue.com.