SCAN Health Plan Executive Shares Best Practices for Reaching “Dual Eligibles” and Encouraging Coordinated, Integrated Care

<0> SCAN Health PlanMichelle Hokr818-597-8453, x-5 </0>

Sherry Stanislaw, senior vice president of marketing for , told a gathering of healthcare executives recently that healthcare quality can be significantly improved and dollars can be saved by delivering coordinated, integrated care to “dual-eligible” individuals. Dual eligible refers to those individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid/Medi-Cal.

Stanislaw made her remarks at the Healthcare Education Associates two-day conference in Scottsdale, AZ. There, she shared best practices for reaching and retaining dual-eligible beneficiaries and directing this vulnerable population into the types of programs that will help them age well.

A recent study compared hospital readmission rates between California dual eligibles in traditional Medicare vs. those enrolled in SCAN Health Plan, the nation’s fourth largest not-for-profit Medicare Advantage plan. The study found that SCAN’s dual-eligible members had a hospital readmission rate that was 25 percent lower than those in fee-for-service.

“We have long believed that integrated care can mean better care,” she said. “That’s why, the better we as an industry can reach these beneficiaries and communicate with messages meaningful to them, the greater the likelihood that we will be able to make them aware of available programs that can positively impact their health.”

According to Stanislaw, health plans and providers must use a multi-pronged, strategic approach to reaching duals, as the population varies from those who have an active lifestyle to those who are homebound and/or chronically ill. She emphasized the importance of grassroots efforts and building relationships at the local level through faith-based groups, health fairs, community events and senior resource centers. “At SCAN our field representatives are trusted members of the communities we serve,” said Stanislaw. “The most effective communication is not about selling but is about sharing information in a straightforward manner and truly serving as a health resource.”

Stanislaw has more thanthree decades of experience in healthcare operations and marketing. At SCAN her areas of responsibilities include marketing, product development and implementation, market expansion, community outreach, communications, and public relations. Prior to joining the company in 1998, Stanislaw held management positions with Talbert Medical Group and FHP Health Care.

“As America ages, dual eligibles become a larger and larger segment of the population and provide a growing opportunity for health plans and providers nationwide,” she added.

SCAN Health Plan has been focusing on the unique needs of seniors for more than 35 years. As the nation’s third largest not-for-profit MAPD plan, SCAN currently has nearly 130,000 members in California and Arizona. Further information may be obtained at or on Facebook at .