From left to right: Gladys Cartagena-Eskridge, Sam Abuella, AmeriHealth Medicare member, and Yolanda Finley
In 2025, AmeriHealth launched a series of health expos for our Medicare Advantage members in collaboration with CAMcare, Virtua Health, and other organizations. I recently interviewed Sam Abuella, our Director of Medicare Sales at AmeriHealth, about the goals of these expos and how they have helped make care more accessible.
The needs we’re trying to address
What care gaps do older adults in New Jersey face, and why is it important to address them?
Many older people struggle with accessing preventive care, managing chronic conditions, and navigating the health care system. In Camden, for example, we’ve seen lower rates of annual wellness visits and screenings among our older members, particularly for diabetes and colorectal cancer.
Camden has one of the largest populations of Medicare Advantage members in the state, yet many of these residents struggle with transportation hurdles, limited health literacy, and economic barriers. Addressing these gaps isn’t just about improving outcomes; it’s about boosting health equity and giving every member the opportunity to age with dignity and good health.
What challenges does AmeriHealth face in reaching and engaging older members, especially in underserved areas?
Awareness and trust are the biggest obstacles. Some people are skeptical of health plans or unsure of what’s covered. Others face language or mobility barriers. That’s why we invest in culturally competent outreach and work with trusted community partners. We’re trying to reach as many older members as possible, focusing on those who face the biggest barriers to care.
What we’re doing to meet those needs
What inspired AmeriHealth to launch its senior health expos?
The expos were born out of a desire to meet older people where they are. We wanted to create a welcoming, accessible space where they could get screenings, learn about their benefits, and connect with local providers — all in one place.
How do you encourage people to attend the expos?
We reach out to members over the phone. We work with community leaders to spread awareness and build trust. We provide free transportation, multilingual outreach, and no-cost screenings. We try to hold our expos in nice locations that are easily accessible, and we help coordinate transportation. We also do everything possible to make our expos entertaining and engaging, with bingos, raffles, and more.
How do these expos improve access to preventive care?
They bring services directly to the community, helping eliminate common barriers like transportation and scheduling. Our members can get flu shots, vision checks, and diabetes screenings on-site, often without needing an appointment.
The more we can make our members aware of their preventive screenings benefits, the easier it is for them to take advantage of these services and understand why they matter.
What screenings are most critical for older adults, and how are they delivered at the expos?
Screenings for diabetes (HbA1c), kidney health (eGFR), vision, and blood pressure are top priorities. We also offer flu shots, fall risk assessments, and education on managing chronic conditions. These services are delivered on-site at our expos, often with immediate referrals or follow-up scheduling.
What role do collaborations play in these initiatives?
Our collaborations with health care providers like Virtua Health, CAMcare, Labcorp, and Wills Eye Hospital are essential. Labcorp’s mobile and at-home screening kits help increase screening rates among eligible members. CAMcare and Wills Eye provide trusted, localized care, offering services like diabetic retinal exams and vision screenings that are critical for early detection and management.
We also coordinate with municipal health departments, senior centers, and nonprofits to identify needs and promote events. Camden’s mayor, Vic Carstarphen, even attended our recent expo, helping boost turnout and community trust. These collaborations help us tailor services to each community.
In addition, we’ve had representatives from local police and fire departments at the expos, educating our participants about safety issues and resources. We try to provide the most comprehensive help possible as a “one-stop shopping” experience.
How we measure success
What feedback have you gotten from people who attended?
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many attendees expressed gratitude for the convenience and care they received. One member was diagnosed with early-stage kidney disease at an expo and was connected to care immediately. These stories reinforce the value of meeting people where they are.
Many folks have attended our expos, and most received at least one preventive screening they had previously missed. That helps us proactively close care gaps and build trust within the community.
How else do you measure success with these health expos?
We’re aiming for measurable improvements in preventive care utilization, chronic condition management, and member satisfaction. And indeed, we’ve seen an increase in preventive care utilization among expo attendees, which is a strong indicator of their positive impact. We also track reductions in avoidable hospitalizations and other standardized health metrics.
How do these events influence long-term health behaviors?
When our members experience care that’s easy, respectful, and beneficial, they’re more likely to stay engaged. Our health expos build trust and reinforce the importance of regular checkups and screenings, which can lead to healthier habits and better outcomes over time.
Our next steps
What lessons did you learn from recent expos that will inform future efforts?
We’ve learned that personalization and follow-up are key. Our members respond best when events feel relevant to their lives. We’ve also seen the value of continuity — making sure screenings lead to care. Future efforts will focus even more on sustained engagement.
Looking ahead, how will AmeriHealth continue to innovate and expand its support for older members?
We’re enhancing our digital engagement efforts and exploring mobile health units. Our vision is to create a seamless, supportive experience for every Medicare Advantage member — whether they’re at an expo, at home, or in a clinic. Innovation will be driven by listening to our members and responding to their evolving needs.
