Wellpoint DC: First Medicaid Plan in D.C. to Earn NCQA Accreditations
Wellpoint DC started the new year with a major announcement. It has been awarded both the NCQA Health Outcomes Accreditation and the NCQA Community-Focused Care Accreditation for its Medicaid health plan. These were formerly known as Health Equity Accreditation and Health Equity Accreditation Plus.
When combined with the NCQA Health Plan Accreditation earned in October 2025, this distinction sets a new standard. Wellpoint DC is now the first Medicaid managed care organization in Washington, D.C., to earn all three of these prestigious NCQA accreditations.
A History of Excellence
Notably, these two new awards arrive just three months after another significant milestone. Wellpoint DC recently earned Full NCQA Health Plan Accreditation with a perfect score of 141 out of 141.
Consequently, by meeting NCQA’s rigorous standards across both quality and equity, the organization has proven its dedication to consumer protection. Furthermore, it has distinguished itself as a clear leader among Medicaid plans in the District.
Understanding the Accreditations
What do these awards actually mean for members? First, NCQA’s Health Outcomes Accreditation evaluates specific performance metrics. It looks at how well a health plan supports equal access to care. Additionally, it measures how the plan improves the member experience and works to remove barriers that affect health.
Building on that foundation, NCQA’s Community-Focused Care Accreditation goes a step further. It requires health plans to collect detailed information about members’ non-medical needs. Moreover, plans must collaborate with community organizations to help address those issues. This includes providing vital support with social needs such as housing, food, and transportation.
Together, these accreditations demonstrate that a health plan has strong systems in place. Ultimately, they ensure the delivery of fair, respectful, and effective care for all members.
Leadership and Commitment
“Earning this additional NCQA recognition is a tremendous honor and a proof point that validates the quality of care Wellpoint DC works hard to deliver,” said Adrian Jordan, President of Wellpoint DC. “We are proud to be the first Medicaid plan in the District to earn this distinction. It reflects the real work our team and partners do every day to connect members to care, resources and support that make a meaningful difference in their lives.”
NCQA President Margaret E. O’Kane also praised the accomplishment. She noted the importance of closing healthcare gaps.
“Racial and ethnic disparities have hindered quality healthcare progression for many Americans,” said O’Kane. “Organizations earning the Community-Focused Care Accreditation, like Wellpoint DC, are leading the way in bridging this gap, and NCQA salutes their commitment.”
About Wellpoint
Wellpoint, part of the Elevance Health family of brands, focuses on improving physical health as well as the behavioral and social drivers that impact it through a comprehensive suite of Medicare, Medicaid, and Commercial products. The Wellpoint companies offer healthcare services for consumers at any stage of life seeking to make the right care decisions and helps individuals and communities make real, positive progress with health plans that foster independence, confidence, and whole-person health. For more information, please visit www.wellpoint.com.
About The National Committee For Quality Assurance (NCQA)
The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving health care quality. NCQA accredits and certifies a wide range of health care organizations and recognizes clinicians in key clinical areas. NCQA’s Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) is the most widely used performance measurement tool in health care. Visit www.ncqa.org for more information.
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