<0> Ross Goldberg, 818-597-8453 </0>
Timothy C. Schwab, M.D., chief medical officer of , will be discussing ways to improve healthcare quality and efficiencies for individuals on both Medicare and Medicaid/Medi-Cal at an important webinar sponsored by Healthcare Intelligence Network on December 6.
The approximately 9 million low-income elderly and disabled individuals who make up this population – referred to as “dual eligibles” – constitute 15 percent of all Medicaid beneficiaries but account for more than 39 percent of Medicaid spending. Similarly, dual eligibles make up 21 percent of Medicare beneficiaries but account for 36 percent of Medicare spending. Recent studies have shown that an integrated care approach to these individuals can result in fewer hospital stays, improved quality, greater patient satisfaction and considerable savings to the entire healthcare system.
On the webinar, Dr. Schwab will share his organizations strategic approach to assisting this market. With a long history in , SCAN Health Plan has a multi-pronged, strategic approach to reaching dual eligibles based on the specific needs of the member. This unique care-management model emphasizes prevention and early intervention, with a focus on medication management. Recent analyses by Avalere Health of SCAN’s care-management model demonstrate its effectiveness in reducing readmission rates and inpatient hospital admissions and producing significant cost savings tied to the improvement in health status of members.
A leading advocate on senior health and lifestyle needs, Dr. Schwab is a former president of the California Society of Internal Medicine and has played an active role in several committees of the American Society of Internal Medicine and the American College of Physicians. He previously served as an assistant clinical professor for the School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles and was a delegate to the 2005 White House Conference on Aging.
The Healthcare Intelligence Network webinar, entitled “Care Coordination for Dual Eligibles: A Results-Oriented Approach,” will be held on December 6 at 1:30 pm. EST. Further information and registration may be obtained at .
For 35 years SCAN Health Plan has been focusing on the unique needs of seniors and is now the country’s third largest not-for-profit Medicare Advantage plan. The company currently has nearly 130,000 members in California and Arizona. Further information may be obtained at .