Medicare Patients
ACO REACH: Transforming Healthcare through Collaboration, Quality and Patient Experience
Medicare provides essential clinical benefits that help ensure access to necessary health care services for older adults and individuals with certain disabilities. It covers a wide range of medical care, including hospital stays, physician services, and prescription medications.
Phillips County Health Systems has partnered with Belong Health ACO to participate in the ACO REACH program, which aims to enhance patient care through coordinated, high-quality services. An Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is a group of health care providers who work together to ensure that patients receive the right care at the right time. By joining the ACO, patients benefit from personalized care, easier access to providers, and proactive management of health conditions. Care teams help with appointments, medication safety, and connecting to necessary services. Participation in the ACO comes at no extra cost and does not affect Medicare benefits.
Learn more about the ACO REACH Care Management Program.
What is an ACO?
An ACO, or “accountable care organization,” is a team of doctors, hospitals and other health care providers who work together to coordinate care for patients. ACOs have agreed with Medicare to be accountable for care quality and cost. They were created to help patients have a better care experience.
How will you benefit from How will you benefit from Phillips County Health Systems' participation in an ACO?
We will help you get the right care at the right time. Healthcare can be confusing. We have a care team who will work with you on your care. Our team may:
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Help you know what care you need to have next.
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Help you set up appointments.
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Help increase access to healthcare providers, both in-person and online.
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Make sure you only have the tests and appointments you need.
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Connect you with local services or support you may need.
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Make sure your medications are safe to take together.
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Spot health problems before they become serious.
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Answer any questions you have about your care.
Other benefits may include home health care – even if you are not housebound, home visits following hospital discharge and increased access to skilled nursing facility care, should you need it.
What changes to my health care should I expect to see as a member of Belong Health ACO?
In addition to your regular health care providers, should you be admitted to the hospital your care team will include a nurse care manager and customer service team. Your nurse care manager will coordinate your care with the facilities and work with you to manage your health conditions and get the services you need. A customer service member may connect you with health care appointments and local resources as well.
They can also help you understand and use your benefits.
If I join Belong Health ACO, will I still be able to choose my health care providers, including specialists?
Yes. You will still be able to see your primary care provider and other providers of your choice, including specialists. Joining Belong Health ACO will not restrict your physician network. The ACO REACH program does not replace your Medicare or in any way change your Medicare benefits. You can choose or change your main doctor any time.
Will joining Belong Health ACO cost me anything?
There is no cost to you, your Medicare benefits will not change, and you can visit any health care provider or hospital that accepts Medicare.
If I do not join Belong Health ACO, will I still be able to see my Phillips County Health Systems primary care provider?
Yes. You will still be able to see your primary care provider, whether or not you join Belong Health ACO.
What if I join Belong Health ACO and decide later that I do not want to participate in the ACO anymore?
If you join and decide later that you want to opt out, contact Belong Health ACO at 800- 862-0608, or
call Medicare at 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227). TTY users should call 877-486-2048.
Who is Belong Health?
Belong Health partners with health systems, clinics and providers to provide wholistic care management and health care navigation assistance for Medicare patients. Belong Health is one of 132 ACOs across the country taking part in Medicare’s innovative ACO REACH program. The goal of ACO REACH is to help Medicare and health care providers move towards a value-based care model aimed at keeping patients as healthy as possible.
How do I participate in the ACO REACH?
If you’ve been seeing your Phillips County Health Systems primary care provider regularly over recent years and they are part of the ACO REACH program, you may be automatically enrolled.
If you have not received a letter announcing your enrollment, you can request to be enrolled a few ways:
1. Fill out this form that says you are a patient of your primary care provider:
https://yesdoc.us/tabr9y4c
2. Request an attestation form from your primary care provider or use the attestation form you have received from Belong Health ACO by mail or email.
3. Go to Medicare.gov and choose “login”. You must have an account and login. If
you do not have an account you can create one at: https://www.medicare.gov/account/create-account. Once you are logged in, you must select your doctor’s name and designate them as your primary care provider.
Questions?
For questions about how the ACO REACH program helps your health, contact your health care professional.
Click here to learn more about Belong Health ACO