Social Needs and Health Specific examples are educational attainment, socioeconomic status, housing situation, food security, family and social network, and access to transportation. Researchers and clinicians agree that if a patient cannot afford treatment, has limited access to health resources, and is subject to environmental stressors, the clinical effectiveness of care decreases, costs go up,…
DetailsAnnual Enrollment Period and Medicare It’s almost the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for Medicare Advantage plans. AEP is when Medicare beneficiaries are able to switch health plans. The time period typically lasts from October 15 to December 7. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can explore which plans meet their health needs and fit within a…
DetailsNCQA and Accreditation Standards The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) was formed in 1979 at the request of the federal Office for Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). The NCQA is an independent and not-for-profit organization deriving its revenue primarily from fees for accreditation services. The NCQA is the nation’s largest accreditor of Managed Care Organizations…
DetailsWhat Does the Term “Dual Eligible” Mean? “Dual Eligible” is a term given to beneficiaries of both Medicare and Medicaid. In order to receive Medicare benefits, an individual must be at least 65 years of age or a recipient of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least 24 months. Medicaid is the nation’s public…
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