[The following is a paid advertisement.]

Home visit shows Gus the upside of care coordination

Over 400,000 Illinoisians are dual eligible, receiving Medicare and Medicaid benefits. Most are older adults with fixed incomes below the poverty level.

“Gus,” age 74, falls into this category. He lives alone, is a lifelong smoker, and has a medical history including hypertension and shingles.

When his health plan called to engage Gus in care coordination, he shut down the idea, saying he “didn’t need the extra help.” Measured by its ability to ensure members receive an annual wellness visit, the plan kept trying. Gus begrudgingly agreed to a home
visit.

The home visit was a game-changer. Gus’s hypertension was severely uncontrolled, and he was prescribed new medication and a blood pressure monitor. A social worker and care coordinator assisted with food and utilities resources.

With a team by his side, Gus has a new outlook. Dietary changes have him feeling better, and he’s working with his landlord on needed home repairs.

“Gus was a prickly pear at first,” says Brandon, his care coordinator. “Through progress and setbacks, we’ve built a trusting relationship—and helped keep him out of long-term care.”

Paid for by the Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans