Care coordinator 101

Here’s how your Care Coordinator can help you

What is a Care Coordinator?

A Care Coordinator is someone who plays a key role in supporting a member’s needs by working closely with you, your health care providers, and others to get you the health care you need. A professional Care Coordinator is a social worker, public health nurse, registered nurse, physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or physician.

Some of the things a Care Coordinator can do for you:

  • Arrange for services to help you stay in your home
  • Provide information on preventing illnesses, accidents, and trips to the hospital
  • Assist with coordinating your care during and after a hospitalization
  • Help you better understand your medications
  • Provide information to help you and your family make health care decisions
  • Help you schedule doctor’s appointments and arrange transportation, if needed

Are you eligible for a Care Coordinator?

All SecureBlue (HMO SNP) members are eligible for a Care Coordinator, including members who live in a nursing home.

How does the Care Coordinator communicate with you?

The Care Coordinator communicates with you and other people involved in your care, like family members and health care providers, through phone calls and written communications. In-person meetings will pick back up once it’s safe to do so.

How does the member-Care Coordinator relationship begin?

First, your Care Coordinator meets with you to learn about your strengths, needs, and preferences in life. Then, your Care Coordinator works with you to create a care plan that reflects your choices and personal health goals.

What is the Care Coordinator responsible for?

The Care Coordinator’s role is all about helping you get the most out of your health plan benefits and to advocate for you. Helping you navigate the health care system is a top priority, from getting access to covered services, calling to make an appointment for you, arranging interpreter services, or authorizing needed home care, the Care Coordinator is here to serve you. The Care Coordinator must also ensure access to an adequate range of choices for each member by helping the member identify culturally sensitive supports and services and arrange for interpreter services, if needed. Care Coordinators also work with Social Service Agencies and the Veteran’s Administration to coordinate services and supports for members.

How can I contact my Care Coordinator?

To learn more about how to get started with your own Care Coordinator, call Member Services at 1-888-740-6013 (TTY 711). Calls to this number are free. 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) from October 1 through March 31, and Monday to Friday (except holidays) from April 1 through September 30.

Related Categories:

Caregiving