United Healthcare (UHC) released a provider alert stating that as of May 2017:
Original AnnouncementStarting May 2017, UHC is beginning a new approach to service coordination for their STAR+PLUS members who live in nursing facilities and are receiving hospice services. The service coordination for these members will now be done over the telephone.
These coordinators are different than the nursing facility onsite nurses who will continue to see STAR+PLUS members who are not in hospice. This change does not apply to United Healthcare Connect (Medicare-Medicaid Plan) members.
UHC service coordinators will reach out to the member every three months to check in. If needed, UHC can also reach out the member at the request of the member, representative, or care provider as well as if there is a change in the member’s condition or circumstances which requires an assessment.
In the event that a hospice member is unable to use a telephone, the service coordinator will speak with the member’s family or other representative and/or nursing facility care staff to gather the necessary information.