Questions Frequently Asked by Medicare Beneficiaries
Q: Is this really affiliated with Medicare?
A: Yes. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services contracted with XLHealth
to provide Medicare Health Support to 20,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Tennessee
invited to participate in this program. The Medicare Health Support Program
has the oversight and management of Medicare, and XLHealth, the programs
operator, brings services to program participants in Tennessee.
Q: What is the purpose of this program?
A: The purpose of this program is to give you the support and tools you need to
better manage your health condition. Depending on individual needs, the
program may include a personal support nurse, medication counseling
sessions with a local pharmacist, health education tools and materials and
other valuable services.
Q: Will this program change my Medicare coverage?
A: No, this program will not change your existing Medicare coverage. In addition to
your current coverage, if you choose to participate, you will receive additional
services, including healthcare support between doctor visits. You can continue
to see your regular doctors and specialists, as well. These program services are
provided at no cost if you choose to participate.
Q: Who is XLHealth and what is their role in the program?
A: XLHealth is the Medicare Health Support Programs operator in Tennessee. This
organization provides assistance to people with multiple health conditions to
help them manage their day-to-day health issues. The XLHealth Support Team
will help Medicare Health Support participants address health questions and
concerns, follow their doctors care plans, as well as assist in monitoring
day-to-day health conditions to maintain a better quality of life.
Q: Who qualifies for the program?
A: The program is being offered to 20,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Tennessee who
are living with chronic health conditions. As someone invited to join this program,
you are among a select group given the opportunity to get assistance in
managing your health.
Q: What will happen at the beginning of the program?
A: If you choose to participate, a nurse will call you to discuss your health and
collect medical information. This will be followed by a face-to-face visit with
a Personal Support Nurse from XLHealth, either at your home or at an
XLHealth center in your area.
Q: What happens during the program?
A: If you choose to participate in the Medicare Health Support Program, a
Personal Support Team will provide you the support and education you
need to help improve your health through services like self-care education,
medication counseling sessions, in-home health monitoring tools (if needed)
and other services targeting your specific health condition.
Q: How does joining a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) affect my participation in Medicare Health Support?
A: It doesnt affect your Medicare Health Support participation at all. In fact, we
encourage you to review your choices among PDP plans and consider
joining one.
Q: Can I participate in Medicare Health Support if I join a Medicare Advantage (MA) or Medicare Advantage Part D (MA-PD) plan?
A: No. By joining one of these plans you are leaving traditional fee-for-service
Medicare and the Medicare Health Support Program is not available to you.
Q: How long will the program last?
A: This is a pilot program that will last three years.
Q: If I participate, will my Medicare benefits be affected?
A: No. Your coverage stays the same, and you can continue to go to the same doctors and hospitals.
Q: Are there any hidden costs for me to participate?
A: No. This program is offered free-of-charge to invited beneficiaries.
Q: Am I required to participate?
A: No. The Medicare Health Support program is completely voluntary.
Q: If I choose not to participate now, can I join later?
A: Yes.
Q: If I start the program and don't like it, can I quit?
A: Yes. You can quit the program at any time.
Q: I am already taking good care of myself. Why should I join?
A: By participating in Medicare Health Support, you and your doctor will receive
tools and information that can help you continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Q: Who sees my information if I participate in the program?
A: If you choose to participate in Medicare Health Support, only your program nurses and
pharmacists will have access to your information. Your doctor will also receive information
you share with your nurses during the time you are in the program.
Q: Will my information be kept confidential?
A: Yes. All information will be kept confidential by Medicare Health Support.
Q: What if someone from my family calls and wants information about me?
A: Medicare Health Support nurses will not discuss any information about you with anyone
other than your doctor unless you have designated a family member or caregiver to speak with a nurse on your behalf.
Q: Does this program replace my doctor or mean I no longer can see my doctor?
A: Medicare Health Support is not a substitute for the care you receive from your doctor. Medicare Health Support
reinforces your doctor's care plan, helps you manage your health between doctor visits, and provides up-to-date
information about your health condition to your doctor.
Q: Who is on my Medicare Health Support team?
A: Your Medicare Health Support team consists of a personal nurse, telephone nurse, a local pharmacist,
and your participating physician who work together to address your specific needs.
