Senior Care Options
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2005-09-02 12:53:30
Senior Care Options (SCO) is a voluntary program that combines health care services with social support services to help low-income seniors maintain their health and stay in their own homes.
With SCO, a team of medical professionals work together to provide seniors with care that is individually tailored to meet their needs. Enrollees must be 65 years of age or older and eligible for MassHealth (Medicaid) to join; participants may also have Medicare.
AARP Massachusetts worked closely with a group of advocates and the legislature to develop SCO.
According to AARP Massachusetts State Director Deborah Banda, "The SCO program provides a coordinated, comprehensive and individualized care plan to help seniors maintain their long-term independence."
What is Covered?
SCO covers all the health care services provided to enrollees of MassHealth (Medicaid). These services are also covered for Medicare beneficiaries,. The care is delivered by medical and other professionals who are part of a network called a "senior care organization" that was created specifically to serve seniors.
SCO Covers Many Services including:
- primary care and specialty physician visits
- regular preventive health care services
- prescription drugs
- lab and X-rays
- emergency care
- inpatient hospitalization
- mental health and substance abuse treatment services
- nursing facility care
- community long-term care
- transportation for medical care
What Are The Benefits Of Joining?
In addition to all of the services provided by MassHealth (Medicaid) and Medicare, SCO members receive:
Coordination of Care
- a team of professionals who know members and their health care needs
- a centralized record of a member ' s health and medical information
- the active involvement of the member in all of the decisions made about care
Individualized Care
- a care plan that is designed specifically for the member
- specialized geriatric support services
- 24-hour access to a team of professionals who can answer questions or give needed information
Supportive Care to Help Members Stay at Home
- rehabilitative therapies
- medical equipment
- home care services
- respite care for families or other caregivers
Who Can Join?
Bay State residents who meet the financial eligibility requirements for MassHealth (Medicaid) and who are 65 years of age or older may be eligible to join SCO. Seniors can have both Medicare and MassHealth, or MassHealth alone.
Further Information
To find out more about Senior Care Options, call the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at 1-888-885-0484 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or visit MassHealth online.
For individuals with partial or total hearing loss, TTY: 1-888-821-5225.
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