|
Care
Counsel Healthcare Assistance Program
Care
Counsel Healthcare Assistance Program | Care
Counsel Articles
CareCounsel - Expert Help With Your
Health Plan Questions
The CareCounsel Healthcare Assistance Program is available
to County employees and their family members enrolled in
any County health plan, both medical and dental plans.
CareCounsel
is an independent company not associated with any health
plan or provider group. This is a confidential
service staffed by masters level health professionals
and is paid for with the County contribution towards
your family’s
coverage. Their services are aimed at answering questions
about the differences between different types of health
plans, how to use your health plans, and to resolve problems
you encounter with them. This service is in addition to
the medical and dental insurance plan you are enrolled
in. It is not a health insurance plan, rather it is a benefit
advocate service to help you get the best out of your medical
and dental plans and to help you access the care you desire.
The CareCounsel Healthcare Assistance Program includes:
Education
and Information – Employees can receive
counseling and information on a broad range of healthcare
topics, including how to choose, use and understand
your health plan, selecting primary care providers,
dentists
and specialists, understanding managed care benefits,
going to the hospital, keeping a personal health record,
usual
and customary charges, second opinions, clinical trials,
long-term care alternatives, preventive health guidelines,
supporting a loved one with a serious illness and understanding
Medicare.
Advocacy -
CareCounselors are available to help you effectively
resolve questions and concerns that arise
as you use
your health benefits. They address issues including
claims problems;
physician access and availability, quality of care
concerns and support with health plan grievances
and appeals.
They will act as your personal advocate with your
health plan.
Coaching -
CareCounsel will provide tools so you can be a more proactive,
informed partner in healthcare
decision making. Your CareCounselor will listen
to your concerns,
answer questions, provide educational handouts,
guide you
to appropriate resources and help you with complicated
situations that may arise as you utilize the healthcare
system. Research shows that patients who take extra
steps to ask questions of their doctors and gather
information
have better health outcomes. Call CareCounsel if
you
need help talking to your doctor or preparing for
a medical visit or hospital stay.
Resources – CareCounsel
can help you locate information about a wide variety
of health and disease-related organizations
and resources to support you or a loved one facing
a medical problem. CareCounsel can also help you sort
through the
maze of health-related Internet sites to find
valuable information relevant to your needs.
A Note about Confidentiality - The County respects
your privacy and has contracted with CareCounsel
to provide
you with confidential assistance. When you use
the Healthcare Assistance Program, you have CareCounsel's
assurance
that no identifying information will be shared
with
the County.
CareCounselors
are available by phone 8:30am to 5:00pm PST from Monday
to Friday: 1- 888-227-3334
|
