This is archived content, for historical reference only.

Health plans and their staff play an important role in integrating care for patients who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, and others with high medical and social service needs. Often called care coordinators or case managers, these roles are responsible for coordinating care across different settings and providers and empowering patients to better manage their chronic illness.

Care coordinators and case managers perform a variety of clinical and nonclinical functions, including:

• Performing assessments
• Developing care plans
• Helping to arrange physician visits
• Ensuring medication reconciliation
• Referring patients to social supports
• Educating patients about their illness
• Developing patient trust

With support from CHCF and The SCAN Foundation, the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) interviewed five health plans with integrated care models about their strategies for hiring and training care coordinators and case managers. A resulting brief shares ideal qualifications, curriculum development, and training strategies to support staff in this role.

The brief, as well as an accompanying webinar, is available through the External Links below.