Molina Healthcare of Iowa Makes $15,000 Donation to Support EveryStep’s Senior Companion Program
Ben Jackey, Ben.Jackey@molinahealthcare.com, (502) 377-9484
Polly Carver-Kimm, pcarver-kimm@everystep.org, (515) 631-9579
DES MOINES, Iowa, June 5, 2024 – Molina Healthcare of Iowa (“Molina”) announced a $15,000 grant supporting EveryStep’s Senior Companion program which provides weekly assistance to homebound and low-income individuals facing barriers to healthy outcomes. The money will help cover reimbursement costs for program volunteers supporting participants at their homes and/or driving them to medical appointments and other quality-of-life experiences.
EveryStep’s Senior Companion program matches volunteers with program participants who are in need of social interaction, help running errands, transportation or assistance around their home. Most volunteers are on fixed incomes and would struggle to help participants without the stipend they receive through the program. The financial support helps defray the companions’ expenses and is especially helpful in mitigating transportation costs. EveryStep’s volunteer reimbursement was previously supported by state funding.
“Molina is proud to support EveryStep and the volunteers reducing isolation and restoring independence for Iowans,” said Jennifer Vermeer, plan president for Molina Healthcare of Iowa. “This program’s focus on meeting mental, physical, medical, and emotional needs aligns with Molina’s holistic approach to well-being.”
EveryStep Senior Companion program participant Connie has been paired with Senior Companion Sandy Hainline for the last three years. “She’s a very good companion for me,” says Connie. “I enjoy our time together because that’s basically when I’m able to get out to do things. I’d be lost without Sandy.” Hainline says Molina’s financial assistance to offset the cost of her volunteer miles is welcome news. “I don’t think I would be able to do Senior Companion without reimbursement. Without the mileage reimbursement, I’m not sure I could continue with the program.”
EveryStep’s Senior Companion program served more than 225 clients in fiscal year 2023. Senior Companion volunteers provided nearly 97,000 miles and 28,000 hours of service. According to the Independent Living Performance Measure Survey, 89% of Senior Companion clients said they were better able to remain in their own homes because of the service.
“We are extremely grateful to Molina for this generous donation and their desire to provide support to EveryStep’s Senior Companion program,” said EveryStep president and CEO Tray Wade. “This program is an important part of serving our community and helps ensure Iowans have the support they need to remain independent in their homes.”
Volunteers must be 55 or older and meet income guidelines. Participants must 21 or older and live in Polk, Warren, Marion, Lucas, or Pottawattamie counties.
About Molina Healthcare of Iowa
Molina Healthcare of Iowa, Inc. serves members through its Medicaid program in Iowa. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare of Iowa, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.
About EveryStep
EveryStep is a non-profit health care and human services organization which annually serves more than 60,000 Iowans. EveryStep is known for its ability to help patients, clients, and their families, and to support community partners as they navigate challenges, address complicated care issues and achieve high-quality outcomes. Serving Iowa from 14 locations across the state, nearly 400 employees and hundreds of volunteers are committed to EveryStep’s mission: to empower individuals, support families and strengthen communities. There is at least one EveryStep program available to residents in every Iowa county.
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