Blue Shield of California has broadened its home-based palliative care program to reach every corner of the state, making it the only health plan to offer this crucial service in all 58 California counties. This expansion builds upon the success of a pilot program initiated in the Sacramento region in early 2017. The program delivers comprehensive support to patients facing serious illnesses through in-home visits from integrated teams comprising doctors, nurses, social workers, chaplains, and other specialists.
Palliative care centers on enhancing the quality of life for both patients and their families by alleviating the burdens of serious illness. It is adaptable to any age and stage of illness, and can be administered alongside curative treatments. Blue Shield members enrolled in the home-based palliative care program gain access to a range of at-home services, including:
- Dedicated care management and seamless coordination
- Effective pain and symptom management strategies
- Support in making informed treatment decisions and advance care planning
- Meal delivery and transportation services where applicable
- Round-the-clock access to care and support whenever needed
Palliative care is a standard medical benefit for all Blue Shield of California members with primary health coverage. Notably, starting this year, Medi-Cal beneficiaries enrolled in Care1st Health Plan, a Blue Shield affiliate, can also benefit from this program. Extending access statewide underscores Blue Shield’s commitment to ensuring all Californians can access high-quality, affordable healthcare.
“Through close collaboration with our provider groups and Blue Shield’s nationally recognized Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), we have developed a statewide network of providers capable of delivering palliative care to seriously ill members, whether they are in their homes or healthcare facilities,” stated Terry Gilliland, M.D., senior vice president and chief health officer at Blue Shield of California. “We are dedicated to transforming healthcare in California and advocate for a national approach to guarantee that all Americans facing serious illness have access to exceptional palliative care services.”
The Blue Shield Palliative Care Program has demonstrated significant positive outcomes in its initial year:
- Over 800 Blue Shield members and their families received home-based palliative care in 2017.
- The program achieved an outstanding 96 percent average patient and family satisfaction score.
- An impressive 90 percent of Blue Shield members in palliative care who passed away were able to do so at home, aligning with their end-of-life wishes. This is particularly significant when compared to a 2012 study revealing that while 70 percent of Californians prefer to die at home, only 32 percent actually do.
- Blue Shield members referred to palliative care were more than twice as likely to utilize hospice benefits compared to the national average, indicating better alignment with patient needs at the end of life.
- Blue Shield invests in training its nurse case managers to effectively guide seriously ill patients and their families through their care options.
- Blue Shield of California supports its network of primary care providers with resources and tools on palliative care to enhance the care provided to their seriously ill patients.
“We share a common goal: to provide our patients with compassionate, high-quality care in their preferred setting,” said Jeanine Ellinwood, M.D., medical director at Snowline Supportive Care, a participant in Blue Shield’s 2017 pilot program. “With decades of experience caring for those with serious illnesses, Snowline Supportive Care recognizes Blue Shield’s home-based palliative care program as a significant advancement in expanding access to quality care and support for both caregivers and family members.”
About Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California, an independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a nonprofit health plan committed to providing access to quality healthcare at an affordable price. Serving 4 million members with over 6,800 employees and an annual revenue exceeding $17 billion, Blue Shield has been a pillar of California healthcare since 1939. Alongside its affiliates, Blue Shield offers a comprehensive range of health plans including medical, dental, vision, Medicaid, and Medicare. To further its mission, Blue Shield has contributed over $500 million to the Blue Shield of California Foundation since 2002. For more information about Blue Shield of California products and services, individuals can contact their local agent or broker, or visit www.blueshieldca.com.
