Everyone deserves the right to a long, healthy life.

As our bodies age, our health needs continue to evolve over time, making it essential to gain access to health-related resources designed to keep you feeling your best year after year.

And yet, the average care plan offers only minimal support for long-term well-being, leaving seniors to fill in the gaps in the medical expenses on their own.

Thankfully, the Minnesota Department of Human Services has developed a groundbreaking new care plan designed to go beyond basic health care and give the aging population a well-rounded approach to medicine that leaves no stone unturned.

Today, we’re breaking down Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO), so that you can make an informed decision about your health as you approach your golden years.

What is MSHO (Minnesota Senior Health Options) ?

MSHO is a special program created for individuals who are 65 years of age and eligible for both Medicaid and original Medicare enrollment.

This dual-enrollment style care plan allows policyholders to combine their coverage from being enrolled in medicare parts and Medicaid, giving them comprehensive coverage for their medical expenses and access to a collection of care services designed to enhance their overall health.

Imagine having one simplified healthcare plan that covers everything Medicare and Medicaid offer, plus extra services like in-home care and transportation, all while reducing your out-of-pocket costs and providing a dedicated care coordinator to help you navigate the system. That’s exactly what Minnesota Senior Health Options (MSHO) does for eligible residents aged 65 and above.

MSHO combines the strengths of both Medicare and Medicaid into one managed care plan, making it easier for seniors to manage their healthcare and access the services they need. Here are some of the key benefits:

  • Broader coverage: MSHO covers everything that traditional Medicare and Medicaid do, but it also includes additional benefits like in-home care, personal care assistance, and transportation. This means you have access to a wider range of services to help you stay healthy and independent at home.
  • Reduced costs: MSHO generally has lower out-of-pocket costs for covered services compared to traditional Medicare and Medicaid. This can help you save money on your healthcare expenses.
  • Simplified coverage: With MSHO, you only have one plan to manage, one ID card to carry, and one point of contact for all your healthcare needs. This makes it much easier to keep track of your coverage and get the care you need.
  • Care coordination: MSHO plans assign you a dedicated care coordinator who will help you navigate the healthcare system, manage your care plan, and connect you with needed services. This can be a huge relief for seniors who are trying to juggle multiple doctors and appointments.
  • Improved health outcomes: Studies have shown that MSHO enrollees have better health outcomes than those who are not enrolled in MSHO. This is likely due to the broader coverage, reduced costs, and improved care coordination that MSHO provides.

If you are a Minnesota resident aged 65 and over who is enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B and Medicaid, MSHO may be a good option for you. To learn more about MSHO and see if you are eligible, you can contact one of our team at Patriot Insurance Brokers.

What’s included in Medicaid Coverage

While each state has its own rules and regulations for Medicaid, this federally funded program was made to give eligible parties access to quality medical care, regardless of their circumstances.

Benefits of a Medicaid plan include…

  • Inpatient and outpatient medical services
  • Access to a Primary Care Physician
  • Laboratory testing and x-rays
  • Home health care
  • Coverage for dependents under 18

If you’ve found yourself in a financial strain, then a Medicaid plan is a great way to ensure that your health needs never go uncovered.

What’s included in Original Medicare Coverage

Unlike Medicaid, original Medicare plans were made specifically for adults 65 years of age or older and were intended to give aging individuals the support they need for their next chapter of life. As a federally funded program, original Medicare is strictly regulated and made available to individuals of all financial situations.

Benefits of an Original Medicare plan include…

Medicare Part A:

  • Inpatient and outpatient medical services
  • Access to a Primary Care Physician
  • Emergency hospital services

Medicare Part B:

  • Home health medical equipment
  • At-home health care
  • Preventative medical treatments

As a basic senior care plan, original Medicare gives seniors access to the ongoing care that they need in both hospital and home health settings.

Why should you enroll in MSHO?

While Medicaid and Medicare both offer good coverage options, and MSHO plan allows you to combine these programs to maximize your benefits.

To top it off, MSHO plans include their own unique set of perks that members can use to enhance their overall well-being and prevent costly medical expenses later down the road.

Here are the top benefits of choosing an MHSO plan…

No Premiums

Minnesota senior care programs were made to eliminate the financial stress of getting older. That’s why these plans come at an affordable cost, typically with no premiums and low-cost copays for your inpatient and outpatient care services.

Prescription Medication Discounts

Maintaining good health means following any recommended prescriptions selected by you and your primary care team. With MSHO, you gain access to leading prescription medications at a fraction of the cost, thanks to exclusive low-cost discounts.

Primary Care Provider Coordinator

Once enrolled in an MSHO plan, you’ll be assigned an in-network provider, making it easy to choose a PCP who understands your needs and will oversee your medical programs with a hands-on approach. In addition, a care coordinator from the carrier will assist you in making sure you get the high-quality care and service you deserve starting on day one.

Home Health Devices

For aging adults, the risk of injury while at home becomes a significant threat with each passing year. Your care coordinator will be able to help you find premium home health devices designed to prevent injuries and quickly get you the help you need if you experience an accident at home.

Fitness and Wellness Services

Healthy living starts with healthy habits. The MHSO program is committed to making your senior years the best chapter of your life with access to leading health and fitness programs that keep you moving and feeling your best.

When can you sign up for an MSHO plan?

If you’re at least 65 years old and are already eligible for Medicaid and original Medicare, then you qualify to enroll in an MSHO plan.

And if you’re already enrolled in one of these programs, but would like to change to MSHO, you can make the switch each quarter between January and September, as well as during the annual election period October 15th – December 7th.

Most importantly, MSHO plans do not require a long-term commitment and can easily be canceled at any time, should you decide that the program is not meeting your needs.

Contact an Expert on MSHO Plans

Before you start the process of applying for an MSHO plan, it’s important to know not all agents are qualified to assist you with this type of specialized insurance coverage.

Patriot Insurance Brokers, Waite Park, and Elk River have been providing Minnesota residents with expert insight into the MSHO process since its inception, and are here to answer any questions you may have about your eligibility, program benefits, and securing your enrollment.

Our team of licensed insurance agents understands that finding the right health coverage can greatly impact your quality of life, and we take extra time to ensure that all of your needs are met, with no exceptions.

We may be contacted through our website or by phone at 888-232-2583.