Executive Director
PerformCare
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
James A. Laughman is President of AmeriHealth Caritas’ full-service behavioral health managed care organization (MCO). Prior to his current appointment, Laughman served as Executive Director of the behavioral health MCO doing business in Pennsylvania, and developed a national behavioral health strategy for the AmeriHealth Caritas Family of Companies. Additionally, he is President of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Solutions for AmeriHealth Caritas, leading the team that coordinates care and social services for members with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Laughman has devoted the majority of his career to improving the quality of life for people with behavioral, intellectual, or developmental challenges. He is a staunch advocate for funding efforts to address social determinants that impact health and wellness, in particular breaking the cycle of homelessness and increasing access to quality health care.
Laughman has also dedicated many years of service to helping combat the opioid epidemic, promoting mental well-being, and reducing stigma associated with behavioral health challenges. He has been responsible for overseeing various initiatives to increase evidence-based treatment aimed at reducing hospital readmissions for people with opioid use disorder.
Before joining AmeriHealth Caritas, Laughman spent more than 10 years in private practice to provide counseling services to individuals challenged with behavioral health issues and substance use disorders. This includes his role from 2001 to 2004 as Chief Executive Officer for psychiatric and substance use disorder outpatient clinic.
He has been a featured panelist at national conferences offering insights on topics such as the impact and future of telemedicine for behavioral health, the Substance Use Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment for Patients and Communities (SUPPORT) Act, and the future of behavioral health and sustainability. He has also contributed articles on accessing medical services during the COVID-19 pandemic for U.S News & World Report and acute anxiety and chronic post-traumatic stress disorder for Fierce Healthcare.
Laughman earned a master’s degree in social work from Temple University.
He serves on the board for Special Olympics Pennsylvania and helps advance its mission promoting inclusivity in all dimensions of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Laughman also serves on the boards of Norristown State Hospital and the Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness.
C12 - Payers Improving Care Through Value-based Payment Models
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM CT