Medicare Plus Blue^SM launches Blue Care Connect^SM in January

BCBSM is launching Blue Care Connect, an integrated care management program based on best practices, in January 2014 for Medicare Plus Blue members at high risk for admissions.

The program aims to keep members out of the hospital or emergency room by helping them control their symptoms and by answering any questions they have about their diseases or conditions. It’s also intended to help members and their caregivers navigate the health care system. The program is a high-intensity program, for members with the highest need for long-term care management services.

Select Medicare Plus Blue members will receive an introductory program letter that explains Blue Care Connect and how it can support their health care. It is a voluntary, free program.

Key features include:

• One care manager who manages all of the member’s goals and oversees discharge planning, chronic condition management and social support interventions with limited referrals to other programs
• The member’s case remains open unless the member will be managed by another high intensity program, such as BCBSM’s Medicare Plus Blue CarePlus program.
• Comprehensive home assessment
• Integrated delivery of case management
• Care manager works collaboratively with the member’s primary care physician and keeps the physician informed of the member’s issues

The care manager will encourage the member to complete the standard Medicare Advantage health assessment, address gaps in care and identify and suggest appropriate interventions depending on the member’s needs.

A subset of goals, if appropriate, will be considered high priority, and care managers will address these first. All other identified goals or guidelines will be addressed by the care manager during the program’s course.

Even after the care manager handles acute episodes and immediate goals, he or she will continue to support the member and monitor the case.

For more information, please contact our Blue Care Connect case management specialists at 1-800-845-5982.