“The Times….They Are a-Changin”

Posted on

Feb 02, 2017

share-this
Share This
There was a time when hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) would welcome you to their facilities with open arms, and gladly keep you there for as long as: 1) they thought they could help you, 2) your insurance (Medicare or Private) would pay for your stay. Keeping the heads in the beds was considered good business. Then along came the Affordable Care Act, with the intent being to: 1) Reduce Costs, 2) Improve Quality of Care, 3) Increase Access to Care for all Americans. Love it or hate it, the 2010 law is continuing to affect the way hospitals and SNFs behave. While the understanding of the changes and the adoption of new policies has been slow, it is happening and we all must understand how it impacts our lives.
Many know that today, hospitals are being increasingly penalized for re-admissions, defined as a patient getting re-admitted within 30 days of discharge for the same condition. Hospitals are also getting very heavily scrutinized on what is called Medicare Spend per Beneficiary (MSPB), a comparative measure that evaluates how much a patient costs starting 3 days before, and ending 30 days after their discharge! To address some of these new challenges, many new payment model reforms have been introduced, such as Bundled Payment for Care Initiative (BPCI), using HMO-like tactics to manage care and costs.

Bottom line, EVERYONE will be impacted. How? Patients will be moved quickly to the setting offering the LOWEST COST OF CARE, this is almost always to the HOME environment. To do this successfully, a hospital and SNF must work in concert to ensure successful discharges, earlier than they historically have, but with a much more effective COORDINATION OF CARE. This approach to TRANSITIONAL CARE places a premium on finding the best Home Health (medical), Home Care (personal care) and/or the best Assisted Living or Memory Care Community. If done correctly, the costs are kept down while the quality of care is increased, keeping the individual out of the hospital and SNFEVERYONE WINS! Even more importantly, patients MUST ACCEPT the help, to transition home or into a supportive community swiftly and smoothly. The statistics speak for themselves. those that accept help at home, or to move into an appropriate Assisted Living or Memory Care community, are much less likely to head back to the hospital or SNF! Isnt that what we ALL want after all?

Submitted by Colin Preis, Owner of AMADA Senior Care specializing in Transitional Care.
See their advertisement in Senior Blue Book to learn more about their services.

Other Articles You May Like

Navigating Health Insurance: Covering the Costs of Home Care

Understanding the financial aspects of home care is crucial for many families. Its about knowing your options, who to talk to, and where to begin. At Amazing Care, were here to help you navigate through the maze of home care payment options, ensuring you make informed decisions regarding paying for home care services.Home care, an essential service for many, can sometimes be a financial burden. However, with the right information and resources, you can find ways to manage these costs effectively. Amazing Care offers several payment options to alleviate this burden.Medicaid: A viable option for those who meet certain income and health requirements. Amazing Care accepts Medicaid for qualifying services, providing a lifeline for many in need of home care without the financial means to afford it out-of-pocket. For more detailed information on how you can utilize Medicaid for services at Amazing Care, visit our Medicaid payment options page.Medicare: Typically, Medicare covers medically necessary home health care services. If you or your loved one is a Medicare beneficiary, you might be eligible for coverage of Amazing Cares services. This includes nursing care, physical therapy, and more under certain conditions outlined by Medicare guidelines. To understand how Medicare can help cover your home care needs with Amazing Care, check out Amazing Cares Medicare guide.Private Insurance: Home care covered by insurance is available, and many private health insurance policies include home care services. Coverage details can vary widely, so its essential to contact your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your policy. Amazing Care works with numerous private insurance plans, assisting you in maximizing your benefits. For insights on navigating private insurance with Amazing Care, visit our private insurance payment options page.Starting this journey can be overwhelming, but youre not alone. The first step is to contact Amazing Care to discuss your needs and payment options. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through the process, ensuring you access the care you need without undue financial stress. By exploring Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance options, youll find a path to covering the costs of home care. Questions, please contact us at 303-755-3170.

Navigating Medicare with Confidence

Becoming eligible for Medicare is a significant milestone in your life. Whether you are newly turning 65 or approaching eligibility due to disability, understanding your Medicare options can feel overwhelming. With multiple parts, plans, and enrollment periods, making the right choice is essential to protect your health and finances.Thats where Inman Medical Insurance Services steps in helping Medicare-eligible individuals and their families navigate the complex landscape of Medicare insurance with clarity, confidence, and care.Understanding Medicare: A Quick OverviewMedicare is the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, younger individuals with certain disabilities, and those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). It consists of several parts: Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care. Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers outpatient services like doctor visits, preventive care, and some home health services. Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans are offered by private companies approved by Medicare and include Part A and B benefits, often with added perks. Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) helps cover the cost of medications through private plans. Choosing the right combination of these parts depends on your health needs, budget, and preferences.Why Professional Guidance Matters When Choosing Medicare PlansMedicare is not a one-size-fits-all program. With dozens of Medicare Advantage and Part D plans available in many areas, it can be challenging to understand differences in coverage, premiums, deductibles, copays, and provider networks. Making an uninformed decision could mean paying more than necessary or missing coverage for services you need.Inman Medical Insurance Services offers personalized Medicare consulting to ensure you: Understand your Medicare benefits and options Identify plans that best fit your health needs and financial situation Avoid costly penalties by enrolling during the correct periods Navigate changes to your Medicare coverage over time This professional guidance saves time, reduces confusion, and empowers you to make decisions with peace of mind.Services Offered by Inman Medical Insurance ServicesAt Inman Medical Insurance Services, youll find a trusted partner with a deep knowledge of Medicare plans and regulations. Their services include:1. Medicare Eligibility CounselingIf youre turning 65 or recently became eligible due to disability, the team helps you understand when and how to enroll in Medicare, including your initial enrollment period and special circumstances.2. Medicare Plan Comparison and EnrollmentThey analyze available Medicare Advantage, Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance), and Part D prescription drug plans in your area. By comparing costs, coverage, and provider networks, they help you select a plan that fits your unique needs.3. Annual Medicare Review and Plan OptimizationMedicare plans can change year to year. Inman Medical Insurance Services offers yearly reviews during the open enrollment period (October 15 December 7) to ensure your plan remains the best option, or help you switch plans if needed.4. Assistance with Medicare Appeals and ClaimsIf you encounter coverage denials or billing issues, their experts assist with navigating appeals and resolving Medicare claims, reducing stress and ensuring your rights are protected.5. Education on Medicare Savings Programs and Financial AssistanceMany Medicare-eligible individuals qualify for programs that reduce costs, such as Medicaid, Extra Help, or state pharmaceutical assistance programs. The team helps you identify and apply for these valuable benefits.Who Can Benefit Most from Inman Medical Insurance Services? Newly Medicare-eligible individuals who want to start their coverage on the right foot. Current Medicare beneficiaries seeking to optimize their plan or save money. Caregivers or family members assisting loved ones with Medicare decisions. Anyone feeling overwhelmed by Medicare's complexity and needing personalized support. Why Choose Inman Medical Insurance Services? Experienced Medicare Specialists: Knowledgeable in local and national Medicare regulations. Personalized Service: Tailored recommendations based on your health, budget, and goals. Trusted Advisor: Committed to education, transparency, and ethical guidance. Local Presence: Familiar with regional plan options and resources in Pennsylvania. Ongoing Support: Available year-round for questions, enrollment, and plan changes. Medicare FAQs Answered by Inman Medical Insurance ServicesQ: When should I sign up for Medicare? A: Your Initial Enrollment Period begins three months before your 65th birthday, includes the month you turn 65, and ends three months after. Signing up during this window avoids late enrollment penalties.Q: Whats the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap? A: Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are all-in-one coverage offered by private companies and often include extra benefits like vision or dental. Medigap plans supplement Original Medicare by covering out-of-pocket costs.Q: Can I change my Medicare plan every year? A: Yes. During the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 Dec 7), you can switch Medicare Advantage plans or Part D prescription drug plans.Q: How can I reduce my Medicare costs? A: Programs like Medicaid, Extra Help for prescription drugs, and Medicare Savings Programs can lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs. Inman Medical Insurance Services helps you find and apply for these.Take the Next Step Toward Medicare ConfidenceNavigating Medicare can be complicated, but you dont have to do it alone. Let Inman Medical Insurance Services guide you through the process with clarity and confidence. Their expert support ensures you select the right plan for your needs and budget, now and in the years ahead. For personalized Medicare help and a no-obligation consultation, call us today at 724-306- 8802.  6-8802

Connecting Senior Care Providers with Caregivers Online

Helping Families Find the Right Care, Right When They Need ItTodays families are searching online first when looking for trusted senior care. Whether it's finding an assisted living facility, a reliable home health provider, or supportive legal and transportation services most begin their journey with a Google search.But what happens if your business isnt showing up?Thats where Seniors Blue Book comes in. We're focused on connecting senior care providers with caregivers online in the moments that matter most.Why Online Visibility is Everything in Senior CareIn todays digital-first world, a strong online presence is no longer optional. Families and caregivers need fast answers and trustworthy recommendations. If your senior-focused business isnt visible when they search, chances are theyll never find you and will instead turn to a competitor who is easier to access online.This is a common challenge for many senior housing and care providers: You offer incredible service, but youre not getting in front of the right people.Heres how Seniors Blue Book helps change that.We help you get discovered and trusted online through tools that are easy, effective, and built with your audience in mind.Our proven strategy includes: Free Listings That Deliver Value We offer a free online listing that puts your business on our trusted directory, where families already come to search for senior care services. Its a simple way to show what you offer, where youre located, and how people can contact you all in one place. Targeted Search Categories From assisted living and memory care to elder law and hospice our categories are optimized to match what people are actively searching for. We make it easy for caregivers to find exactly what they need, when they need it. Upgraded Visibility Options Want to stand out even more? Our premium listing options put your services front and center giving you more impressions, clicks, and inquiries from serious prospects. SEO-Driven Pages Built for Engagement Each profile and article on Seniors Blue Book is optimized to be search-friendly and user-friendly helping you rank better and connect with people faster. A Trusted Name in Senior Care Families recognize and trust Seniors Blue Book. Our reputation helps lend credibility to the providers we feature, which builds more confidence with potential clients from the very first interaction.What Caregivers Are Looking for OnlineWhen caregivers search online, theyre not just browsing theyre making real decisions. Heres what theyre hoping to find quickly: Clear service information Contact details and next steps Location and service area Trust indicators (reviews, branding, presence) Content that educates or reassures them If your listing checks all these boxes, youre far more likely to get chosen. And if your business is positioned on a platform like Seniors Blue Book, youre even closer to being their first choice.Why This Matters for Senior-Focused BusinessesMost families dont have time to research 10 different websites, call around, or drive from place to place.Theyre looking for a trusted source that helps them filter through the noise.By being visible on Seniors Blue Book, you not only show up you show up in the right way.It means more quality leads. More engagement. And more chances to do the work you do best: helping seniors live well.Let Us Help You Reach the Right PeopleIf youre ready to stop missing out on potential clients, were here to help. Our mission is simple connecting senior care providers with caregivers online, where real decisions are made.Start with a free listing and see the difference it can make.Call us today at 800-201-9989 or email hello@seniorsbluebook.com to get started. Make sure families find and choose you.