CareMore Care’s More for Senior Citizens…
October 1, 2012
By Tom Canty, Vice President and General Manager for Labor, Government and Special Accounts at Empire BlueCross BlueShield
Are you caring for an elderly parent who has pressing health issues? If not, are you hearing about this all too common scenario from co-workers or neighbors who are trying to manage thru a discombobulated health care system. If so, you’re going to want to know more about CareMore.
CareMore, which was purchased by Empire’s parent company last year, is bringing its acclaimed care management model to New York – it’s first ever expansion to the east coast. The company started in the 1990s in southern California as a medical group, but in 2002 it began developing a unique care model for the elderly — lowering health care costs and helping seniors live longer, more independent lives.
CareMore provides innovative health care approaches to the complex problems of aging. It focuses on seniors who are at risk of, or are, developing health-draining chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart and lung disease. The model identifies these conditions early and addresses them before they worsen. It also stresses preventing the onset of disease through exercise and nutrition.
The results have been impressive. For example, CareMore’s diabetic wound management program has dramatically reduced amputations among members, while its congestive heart failure has reduced hospital admissions by 56 percent. The centerpiece of the model is the CareMore Care Center, which delivers everything from mental health screenings to toe-nail clipping to members. It also includes access to a fitness center that offers strengthening programs.
You’ll be happy to know that CareMore will open three care centers in Brooklyn by year-end. Centers will be available to Medicare beneficiaries who enroll in select Empire BlueCross BlueShield Medicare Advantage plans. More information to come!
