Medicare Steps up to help the Chronically Ill

Article submitted by Dona Hewitt, Marketing Specialist, Aveta CarePartners. To learn more about these plans visit www.medicare.gov and click on the Search Tools option at the top of the web page.

Medicare recognized that 20% of beneficiaries utilize 80% of the dollars and that often our sickest citizens fall through the cracks and do not receive the coordinated care that has been proven to help maintain health and quality of life. To address these concerns Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (SNPs) for the Chronically Ill were created through the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003.

SNPs include options that cost the beneficiary less and provide coverage that goes beyond Medicare's standard benefits. These additional benefits almost always include the new Part D prescription drug coverage and can also include preventive care and transportation to and from medical appointments, but always include care coordination - usually by a registered nurse. The nurse acts as the patient advocate to ensure the member has all the resources to maintain their health and quality of life.

Currently there is only one SNP available to residents of Cook County that is specifically designed for those with chronic illnesses. As more are added and as their networks grow, these types of plans will offer more options to residents in more communities.

"As a result of the strong competition in Illinois, Medicare coverage will include options that cost less and also that provide coverage that goes beyond Medicare's standard benefit," said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mark McClennan, MD, PhD last September. " With better opportunities to save and to get the coverage that works for you, it's about time to start thinking about how you or someone you care about can take advantage of the new coverage."