A Health Navigator for Members with Medicare and Medicaid
Amey Morris, a BCBSRI Medicare Advantage member, has two adult children, Zach and Brittany, who are living with disabilities.
“When they were in school, everyone collaborated on their care. But after they graduated, it was much more difficult and lonely,” said Amey. “Until Teressah came into our lives.”
Both Zach and Brittany are in the BlueRI for Duals (HMO D-SNP) plan, which is for people who qualify for Medicare and Medicaid, and Teressah Tucker is their BCBSRI health navigator. Every member in that plan has a health navigator—an advocate who connects them with resources available through their plan and in the community.
Teressah helped Amey get a speech device for Zach when Amey ran into issues. And when Zach was in the hospital, Teressah helped Amey find care for Brittany, who couldn’t be left alone. “I just turned 71, so it’s getting tougher to do it all myself. Teressah checks up on us all the time,” Amey said. “I could never afford to have my children living at home if it wasn’t for this wonderful BlueRI for Duals plan.”
If you or a loved one qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, BlueRI for Duals (HMO D-SNP) may be the right option. You’ll get $165/month to buy a combination of groceries* and everyday health items and $1,500/year to spend on a combination of dental and hearing services. To learn more or see if you qualify, call 1-855-430-9293 (TTY: 711).
Help for caregivers
Are you, like Amey, caring for a loved one? BCBSRI health navigators and nurses are available to help BCBSRI Medicare Advantage members too. Find more information—and other resources that can help—at bcbsri.com/caregiver.
*You must qualify for Extra Help. Medicare approved Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island to provide these benefits and lower copayments as part of the Value-Based Insurance Design program. This program lets Medicare try new ways to improve Medicare Advantage plans.