The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is renewing its highly successful disease management program for Medicaid recipients for another year.

The statewide service—currently helping >4400 Medicaid patients manage chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease—generated $4.8 million in net savings to the state over 2 years. In addition, the program was responsible for a 12% reduction in emergency department costs in its second year.

"Improving the health status of New Hampshire Medicaid clients with chronic conditions and generating a return on investment are very important to McKesson," said Emad Rizk, MD, president of McKesson Health Solutions, which administers the New Hampshire program.

"New Hampshire's successful strategy has been to focus on the individual rather than the disease," noted Doris Lotz, MD, MPH, medical director for DHHS. "This approach leads to beneficiaries who are highly satisfied with the program."

The program began during the state's 2005 fiscal year. The 1-year renewal lasts through September 30, 2008.