Bert Scott, the new president and CEO of Bronx-based Affinity Health Plan, says changes in the health care market will pose greater challenges for consumers, health plans and providers, and make effective collaboration essential among all stakeholders.

“Change sustains us as an organization and is what this business is all about,” said Scott, speaking at an April 11 reception for community organizations in the northwest Bronx. “I am thrilled to lead this organization at a very critical time.”

As Affinity prepares to participate in the New York Health Insurance Exchange, which was mandated by the Affordable Care Act (also known as Obamacare), Scott noted concurrent changes in existing government-sponsored programs.

“Not only is Medicaid expanding,” he said, “but Medicare is also changing with the dual-eligible population.”

Scott referred to Affinity’s community partners as extensions of the health plan’s own outreach to its service area. “You are the eyes and ears of the community,” he told event attendees. “We see you as partners in helping to educate the community about these programs. We want to spend time with you and work with you.”

For Scott, who joined Affinity in November 2012, the reception was the first meeting with Affinity’s community partners. Affinity’s federally-qualified health center partners also attended the event. A second reception is planned for community partners in the southern portion of Affinity’s service area.

“This was a great opportunity for our partners in the community both to meet Bert Scott, and to better understand how we can help each other meet the growing need for care among the populations we serve,” says Abbe Abboa-Offei, Affinity’s senior vice president for customer and community connections.

CAP: At an April 11 reception, new Affinity President and CEO Bert Scott urged closer collaboration between the health plan and its community partners.