CenCal Health Announces New Medicare Advantage Plan

CenCal Health has announced the start of CenCal CareConnect, a new Medicare Advantage health plan designed to make healthcare simpler for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal.

Enrollment for the new plan begins Oct. 15, with coverage starting Jan. 1. CenCal CareConnect combines Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits into one coordinated plan, offering members a single point of contact, easier access to care, more personalized support, fewer administrative barriers, and enhanced benefits beyond those offered through traditional Medicare, according to CenCal.

"CenCal CareConnect supports California's CalAIM initiative, which seeks to transform care delivery by requiring community health plans to offer a single, integrated option for individuals who are eligible for both programs," said Marina Owen, CenCal Health CEO.

"However, this new plan is more than a regulatory milestone, it's a reflection of CenCal Health's commitment to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve," Owen said.

CenCal Health serves as the designated Medi-Cal managed care plan for residents of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.

Medi-Cal is California's public health insurance program that provides comprehensive medical coverage at no- or low-cost to individuals and families who meet specific eligibility criteria.

In contrast, Medicare is a federally administered-health insurance program available to individuals ages 65 and older, as well as some younger individuals with qualifying disabilities.

Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C) is a Medicare-approved plan from a private company that offers an alternative to original Medicare for one's health coverage.

Over the past 18 months, CenCal Health has prepared for the CenCal CareConnect launch through comprehensive team training, outreach to providers, and technology enhancements.

"We've expanded our provider network, strengthened clinical and operational systems, and hired dedicated team members with Medicare expertise to help with the transition," said Owen.

"CenCal Health is implementing CareConnect in our ongoing effort to elevate healthcare for the most vulnerable in our community," she said. "As always, we are grateful to our provider partners who have joined us in this positive new healthcare endeavor."

Dual-eligible members across Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties can contact CenCal Health for more on the new Medicare Advantage plan at 1-877-227-3051 (TTY: CA Relay at 711), 8 a.m.-8 p.m. seven days a week; or at https://www.cencalhealth.org/health-plans/careconnect/.

More on CenCal Health is available at cencalhealth.org.

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