Kansans Serving Kansas

Care Manager Inspires Member Painting

“I went to help my couple in Oberlin today with applying for the weatherization program.  When I got there, they praised me profusely and spoke about a painting the wife recently made which portrayed a bridge. The wife said her painting reminded her of me because I am their bridge. My heart was so full, I had to share!”

~ Sunflower Care Manager describing an interaction helping husband and wife members access community resources

Achieving Trust and Quality of Life

It can sometimes take a lot for waiver members to establish trust with care managers, particularly when they must reveal personal details. Sometimes our members can be apprehensive, as was the situation with a member who came to Sunflower in 2021.

At first, the member was apprehensive about answering the phone, thinking it was a scam or that she was going to receive a bill. After some explanation, several phone calls and in-person visits, the care manager was able to win over the member's trust. The member is now stable, has a consistent care attendant worker that they are satisfied with, and now has access to free SafeLink phone service. 

This was the first time our member had used a smartphone, but she's now frequently sending pictures to her family and friends – even to her care manager! At a recent visit, the care manager showed that she can even access games on her smartphone.

Over the past three years, the member's quality of life has significantly improved, marked by consistent care, enhanced socialization through smartphone use, and sustained health. 

Member Testimonial: Sunflower Gives Compassion and Quality Care

“Here are my thoughts about Sunflower being [our] health care [managed care organization]. First of all, you have been a key saver in our needs!! You’re the best!

Whenever and whatever I have a question no matter big or small, you have ALWAYS been able to provide quick and accurate information to me! It means the world to me so I can better ensure my son’s needs, in particular, are handled with the best of care. My son’s autism has brought twists and turns that I have only been able to handle better with Sunflower’s assistance.

I too, have had different needs medically, both routine and emergency, that Sunflower has done so well with helping me. The care team (you and the others answering our questions and needs), the places covered with the people that also personally care, routine and emergency medical needs/costs covered, and gas reimbursement are all top reasons why I choose Sunflower every year to be our insurance provider for our needs. Thank you, Sunflower!”

~ Quote from a mother about the care and compassion that she and her son receive from their Sunflower care team

Sunflower in the Community: 'A Night to Shine'

Sunflower consistently supports A Night to Shine events in Western Kansas. These are magical prom celebrations tailored for people with special needs in 50 states and 15 countries. A Night to Shine is more than glitz and glam—it's about creating a community where every individual feels cherished and valued. 

Many of our staff volunteer at these events, including Sheryl, one of our talented managers. She contributes her culinary skills to create sweet treats and table décor. Coddy, another Sunflower manager, shared her team’s emotional experience, witnessing the joy on attendee’s faces. 

Volunteering at these events allows our employees to connect with our members and impactful community organizations. These experiences affirm that our work helps fellow Kansans and embodies our commitment to community and compassion. Sunflower's dedication to A Night to Shine reflects the depth of our commitment and the tangible impact of our contributions to creating a cherished and valued community for individuals with special needs.

Sunflower Member Testimonial: Child Achieves Remission Through Whole-Person Care

When John was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer, his family turned to Sunflower to help them understand the diagnosis and their options for his care. During this terrifying time, the Sunflower Health Plan clinical team assessed the needs of John and his family, identified necessary interventions, and coordinated across the healthcare system to meet their needs.

"We were also able to assess [John's] emotional needs," said Mary Jo Schmidtberger, Sunflower care manager. "(Like) what was going on with John and how he was reacting to the new change in his life with this diagnosis."

"Without Sunflower, my son would not have survived," said Rene, John's father. "So, I really thank Mary Jo and Sunflower Health Plan for helping my son and my family."

You can watch John's story on Sunflower's YouTube channel.

Sunflower in the Community: Multicultural Involvement

"My superpower is being bilingual. As far back as I can remember, I have always helped others navigate the intricacies of healthcare in both English and Spanish.

"This weekend was no different. Sunflower Health Plan participated in the El Centro Bilingual Health Fair. My colleagues and I shared a range of important information from our value-added benefits to KanCare redetermination updates – in English and Spanish – for all attendees.

"Being able to serve different populations is such a rewarding experience. I’m truly thankful to be part of an organization where diversity is valued, and I can use my talents and skill sets to make a difference in the community."

~ Maria Salas, Director of Health Equity at Sunflower Health Plan

Learn more about El Centro's great work.

Care in Action: Sunflower Helps Member Overcome Fear to Get Best Post-Surgery Results

A Sunflower care manager helped a member facing challenges after a family member left the hospital against medical advice following hip surgery. The discharged member lacked outpatient services, durable medical equipment and post-surgery follow-up appointments, leading to struggles and frequent falls at home.

With the Sunflower care manager's support, the member overcame fears of inpatient care and underwent a brief rehabilitative stay. They were able to return home with proper equipment and progress toward strength and independence.

This success story illustrates the common experiences of Sunflower care managers, who are passionate about supporting members to thrive in the settings of their choosing whenever possible. Sunflower is committed to connecting members with the appropriate services, providers and supports within our network and their communities. 

Member Testimonial: Consistent Quality Care

"Sunflower Health Plan and staff who are knowledgeable of their job and services available for a mother like me is heaven sent. The service and care we have gotten over the years has been phenomenal."

~ Quote from a parent/guardian of a member in waiver services

Sunflower in the Community: Improving Access to Vaccines

"Combining Sunflower's Medicaid managed care infrastructure and resources with our long tenure and local knowledge in serving Kansas, we have created a synergistic relationship that is working jointly to improve service delivery to members and increase access to and quality of care in our community. We have a close, collaborative relationship with Sunflower and know our representative on a first-name basis. Sunflower knows our community and its needs and is responsive in meaningful ways that impact not just our patients and Sunflower members, but our community as a whole. We greatly appreciate our partnership with Sunflower. They have been an invaluable coalition member, consistently offering essential resources and unwavering support."

~ Geovannie Gone, LMAC, MS, Executive Director, Immunize Kansas Coalition

One example of Sunflower’s support was a partnership with Finney County Health Department to develop a campaign aimed at improving vaccination rates among adolescents. Sunflower partnered with Shoes from the Heart, donating shoes to five Title 1 elementary schools for youth who completed a vaccination series through Finney County Health Department Clinics.  

Members were excited to receive a new pair of shoes, simply by getting vaccinations to remain healthy.

Quotes from parents of members:

• “[Z] received his shoes today!! He loves them and said to tell you thank you so much! I thank you as well!! This is so incredibly helpful!”
• "[A] loves the shoes and has been wearing them every day.”
• "Thank you so much. She loves them!”
  

Member Testimonial: Care Manager and Friend

“I always think of you when I have news to share, and my days are always brighter when I get to talk to you. You always make me feel so good and that I do matter. I have never had that before. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

"I have never had friends, and ever since you have come into my life it has been joyful, and I find myself laughing when all I used to do was cry.

"I just want you to know how much I think of you and what a wonderful person you are. Thank you so very much for bringing sunshine into my life! You are one of a kind, much like me, only a softer, kinder version!”

~ Quote from a member to their Sunflower care manager 

Messages like these are what inspire our care managers to keep going the extra mile. The care and compassion they extend to our members, some of whom may be experiencing high degrees of isolation and loneliness, can have a lasting impact.

Care in Action: Sunflower Helps Member Get Meal Delivery

A Sunflower member on the Frail Elderly waiver faced a meal crisis when their local senior center stopped providing meals, and hiring attendant care workers for meal prep was challenging.

A Sunflower care manager swiftly assessed the situation, initiating an exception process so the member could get home meal delivery. Following up, the care manager confirmed successful meal delivery. The member expressed gratitude, emphasizing how this support allowed her to continue living at home. 

Sunflower is committed to acting quickly to address the needs of our members and set up services to facilitate independence. The success story presented here illustrates this dedication in action!

Care Manager Testimonial: Bonding with Members Is a Gift

"I have been serving my fellow Kansans as frail elderly waiver case manager since January 1996.

"Some of my members I've known for more than 15 and 25 years. As a result, the relationships I've formed with my members have been rewarding, not only for them but for me as well. With that level of longevity, the trust we built was immeasurable. They told me things/feelings that their families did not even know.

"There is something about having a person in your life that you’ve known for years, but there is a professional and personal bond. I can’t even describe it. I knew them so well I had an understanding of not only what their needs were, but who they were as individuals. I knew what care would not only benefit their physical needs, but what care they needed based on security and personality. Trying to maintain what the best quality of life was for them. I kept them out of a nursing home.

"Throughout the years I have worked with countless members until their death. I chose to remember all of them with the memory of us laughing in their living room. An important take away, is knowing all of us long to feel safe, mentally and physically. This is the best gift you can give a person, no matter what your age. My relationship with these two woman and many more gave them this gift."

~ Sunflower case manager describing her role in supporting two members through end-of-life planning.

Care Manager Helps Member Overcome Language, Distance Barriers to Bring Infant Home from ICU

Sunflower partnered with Wesley Medical Center (Wesley) on a complex case of a Sunflower member who had lived in their NICU for five months. While the mother is not a member of Sunflower, she lacked necessary resources, supports and transportation to see her child and to aid with the child's transition home. The mother lives more than an hour from the hospital, and her primary language is Chuukese, thus adding another barrier.   

The Wesley case manager coordinated with the Sunflower team to arrange transportation for the mother to get to the hospital to receive critical training, including how to feed the 5 month old.

The mother and father were very appreciative of the assistance Sunflower provided. The Wesley case manager reported that upon their arrival, the parents were moved to tears the moment they held their child.

Wesley staff helped the mother with local resources in their home community, including interpreter services to support a smooth transition of care upon arriving home. This marks a joyous celebration as the family prepares to welcome their newborn home after a challenging five-month journey!

Member Testimonial: Sunflower Supports Both Young Adult with Down Syndrome and Her Family

"It is my pleasure to share perspective from my experience with Sunflower’s care coordination services. As a parent of a young adult with Down Syndrome, my family has benefitted from Sunflower’s high-quality support, which has elevated my daughter’s success in living a full and satisfying life at home and in the community.

"My daughter's care coordinator goes the extra mile, prioritizes our daughter's quality of life, has forethought to monitor how changes in our family dynamics affect our daughter's service plan. It is evident that Sunflower's leadership instills the value of excellence in customer service throughout their organization. Sunflower has been making a meaningful difference in the lives of families they serve."

~ Gina Ervay, parent of a young adult with Down Syndrome and a member of Sunflower Health Plan

Sunflower in the Community: Committed to Rural Healthcare

“Sunflower Health Plan is committed to improving access to healthcare in our rural Kansas communities. Sunflower was the premier corporate sponsor for the 2023 Kansas Rural Health Association annual conference at the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas John U. Parolo Education Center in Pittsburg, KS. 

Dr. Jennifer Bacani McKenney was the keynote speaker and gave an insightful presentation over workforce challenges, using technology and addressing behavioral health in rural primary care. She shared all the great work being done in her hometown of Fredonia, KS. The event culminated with Dr. Michael Kennedy being honored with an award for his outstanding efforts that have impacted rural health and the association.

Thank you to all the rural healthcare providers in Kansas for your continued commitment towards advancing health, creating innovative solutions to address barriers in rural health and keeping rural communities healthy.” 

~ Maria Salas, Director of Health Equity at Sunflower Health Plan 

Learn more about the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas 

Member Testimonial: Sunflower Supports Member in Successful Life after Paralysis

Sunflower member, Kevin Olson became paralyzed at age 19. He since has achieved personal and professional successes. Olson is now a motivational speaker and the author of “Learning to Live With It,” a book about his journey through the aftermath of the accident that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. The book describes a difference between passive acceptance and actively "living with it."

“I'm married. I have kids and grandkids. I have a job," Olson said. “And so, we're able to do a lot of things in life that I've always wanted to do. And Sunflower has been a big part of that.”

“Kevin's message is something that we've all learned from, and he has been so willing to share it,” said Nicole Goodwin, Sunflower long-term care coordinator who has worked with Olson since 2019. “He even participated in a motivational, all-staff town hall with Sunflower last year. He really lives his motto of 'do what you can, with what you have, right where you are, and don’t worry about the rest.'” 

“Having Kevin as our member since 2013 has been our privilege,” said Stephanie Rasmussen, Sunflower vice president of long-term care and external relations. “We're so happy to be a part of his support team and journey.”

Member Testimonial: Care Manager Compassionately Supports New Mother

"Cheryl (Sunflower care coordinator) is AMAZING. She provided a huge volume of useful information and was so compassionate and engaged with my care. Her calls felt like chatting with a loved one, and I consistently looked forward to them. I couldn't have asked for a better care manager throughout my pregnancy and birth."

~ Quote from Sunflower member submitted via Case Management Satisfaction Survey 2023