Care Coordinators Make It Easier to Cope With Chronic Conditions
Acoyia Grove
YPFH Communications
Pain, frustration, constant worry about health, disappointment – this is a daily reality for the millions of Americans living with a chronic condition, but proper care and management of the condition can help to gain control.
Faculty, staff, and their dependants living with a chronic condition such as diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart disease, know the importance and difficulty of managing their condition. With the help of a care coordinator, provided by Your Plan for Health through the CareAllies Smart StepsSM Care Coordination Program, they don’t have to do it alone.
What is a Care Coordinator?
Available through Your Plan for Health at no additional cost, care coordinators provide information to help employees and their families take control of their chronic condition and complement the care plan developed by their health care provider between physician office visits. Care coordinators are registered nurses who are trained to recognize and anticipate symptoms and assist participants in complying with care plans. They work with participants by phone or e-mail offering information, support, and encouragement. Faculty and staff who participate in the care coordination program have access to medical advice and education covering the conditions of asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and heart disease. Participants will learn how to recognize and anticipate symptoms, reduce chances of developing complications, and better manage their condition to continue living life to the fullest.
Who’s Eligible to Participate?
All faculty, staff, and their dependents who are enrolled in an Ohio State medical plan and are identified as being eligible for the Care Coordination program based on CareAllies’ analysis of Ohio State’s medical and prescription drug claims.
How Can Faculty and Staff Join Care Coordination?
Employees may be referred or invited to the program based on CareAllies’ analysis of Ohio State’s medical and prescription drug claims. Eligible employees can also refer themselves to the program by calling 1-800-579-0534 or visiting mycareallies.com, password “buckeyes.”
What is the New Value-Based Prescription Drug Plan Design Feature?
New for 2008, you’ll have more reasons to participate in the CareAllies Smart Steps Care Coordination program available through Your Plan for Health. If you are living with or become diagnosed with diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart disease, you could reduce or even eliminate the cost of the prescription medications you take specifically for these chronic conditions. When you actively participate in care coordination, your copay for any generic drugs you take for these conditions will be waived, and the coinsurance amount you pay for the formulary brand-name drugs will be reduced by 50 percent. The list of generic and formulary drugs that are associated with the four chronic conditions can be found online at hr.osu.edu/oe/RxVBDGuide.pdf. For more information on the Value-Based Prescription Drug Plan Design, contact OSU Managed Health Care Systems (MHCS) at (614) 292-4700 or the Office of Human Resources at service@hr.osu.edu, (614) 292-1050, 1-800-678-6010.