The Northwest Long-Term Care District Board of Directors has named John T. McMahon as its new CEO in charge of directing a new public managed care organization to deliver Family Care services to elders and adults with disabilities.
Recently, the organization was notified that the state Department of Health Services intends to contract with them to provide Family Care in Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Polk, Price, Rusk, Sawyer and Washburn counties.
The board also identified Hayward as the site of its administrative headquarters. Eventually, there will be smaller "hub" offices for additional staff located throughout the region.
"We have two major hurdles to clear by the end of the year," McMahon said. "To be certified by the state and to hire and train the staff and providers necessary to serve our members starting in March 2009."
Within two years, the organization will employ 250 staff, more than a 1,000 providers and serve 3,500 members.
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McMahon has been the NW Family Care development director since September 2007. While the director of Health and Human Services in Washburn County from 1999 to 2007, he became involved with Family Care planning as the steering committee chair of the 11-county NW-LTCO Consortium, which was organized to create a comprehensive plan for delivering long-term support and health services through a regional managed care organization.
"I've had the unique perspective of having not only been part of the formation of the organization, but in the vision and goals that inspired the counties to create the state's first multi-county Family Care organization," McMahon said. "I know the distinct challenges ahead, but I also know the dedication and resolve of all who are a part of this effort. I have no doubt we will succeed in bringing 1,000 elderly and disabled people off the waiting lists in northwest Wisconsin and offer our members an independent life of their choosing. It is their right and our mission."
