State Medicaid changes will affect area seniors
About 8,000 seniors in Washington County who receive long-term services through Medicaid will need to choose a new plan by Nov. 15 under the state’s new Community HealthChoices Program.
The state began informing those who are affected last week via mailed information about Community HealthChoices, a managed care program modeled after the state’s successful LIFE program. The LIFE program is an option for eligible people 55 and older under Community HealthChoices.
LIFE, which stands stands for Living Independence for the Elderly, provides an array of health care and support services for Medicaid-eligible seniors 55 years and older to help them remain living in their homes and communities.
Under Community HealthChoices, people who receive Medicaid-funded long-term care services will need to choose either their local LIFE program, or one of three state-contracted managed care organizations to coordinate their health and long-term care services. The changes will be completed Jan. 1.
Senior LIFE on North Franklin Drive is the LIFE provider in Washington County. It has been helping seniors live independently in their homes for more than 10 years. There are no costs for any LIFE program service for those who are Medicaid-eligible.
To help consumers understand the changes in Medicaid and the LIFE option under Community HealthChoices, Senior LIFE will hold three informational meetings. All meetings will be held at Senior LIFE in Washington as follows:
• Sept. 6 – 11 a.m.
• Oct. 19 – 5 p.m.
• Nov. 8 – 1 p.m.
Refreshments will be provided.
Those who cannot attend any of the meeting dates can schedule an appointment at a more convenient time by calling 724-838-8300. Transportation can be provided to the Senior LIFE Center. Senior LIFE outreach staff also are available to visit consumers in their homes.
The LIFE program is an alternative to nursing and personal care homes. There is no cost for service for Medicaid-eligible people. Senior LIFE services are customized to meet the specific needs of each individual and include physicians and specialists, nursing care, physical, occupational and speech therapies, personal and home care, medications, meals and nutritional counseling, eye, dental and foot care, durable medical equipment and transportation.
For more information, call 724 222-5433 or visit SeniorLIFEwashington.com.