MA plan aims to reduce hospital readmissions

XLHealth is launching a new program for its Medicare Advantage members to cut down on costly hospital readmissions. The company's Care Improvement Plus plan for Medicare beneficiaries with special needs will provide members who have been hospitalized with in-home doctor or nurse practitioner visits at no additional charge.

"Far too many seniors with chronic conditions have repeat hospitalizations, causing an out-of-control revolving door," said XLHealth's Dr. John Mach. "We are stepping up our efforts to make sure our members are getting the follow-up care they need to break this cycle."

Once the member is discharged, doctors and nurse practitioners will schedule a thorough assessment focusing on common post-hospitalization issues, such as obtaining medication and medical equipment and scheduling home care visits. Thereafter, Care Improvement Plus's team of 240 doctors and nurses will administer the member's care.