Senior Partners Care

What is Senior Partners Care?
Senior Partners Care (SPC) is a community service program sponsored jointly by the Senior Federation and the Minnesota Hospital Association. SPC began 25 years ago through the work of the Senior Federation, who heard from many members stating they could not afford their Medicare copayments and deductibles. As a result, they were going without health care services. Senior Partners Care is a program for low to modest income Medicare beneficiaries who cannot afford to purchase a Medicare supplement or HMO plan. Participating providers (i.e. hospitals, clinics, physicians) agree to accept the Medicare payment as payment in full; all Medicare copayments and deductibles are waived. It is not an HMO, PPO or Medicare supplement.

How do I find out if I am eligible to enroll in the SPC program?
First, you must have both Part A and Part B of Medicare. Second, you must meet income and asset guidelines in order to qualify for the SPC program. Currently, the most your income can be if you are single is $1,595 per month; $2,138 for a couple. Your assets for either a single person or a couple cannot be more than $38,700. The asset limitation does not include your homestead property and one vehicle. These amounts change annually and are based on 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Third, you cannot be enrolled in an HMO or have Medicare supplemental coverage.

If I am eligible, how do I enroll in the program?
The Senior Partners Care program is administered locally through the Senior Federation - Seven County. You can get plan information by calling 320-679-4700 Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM. You will be asked to specify which hospital you would like to receive all of your care through and the hospital specific application and information packet will be sent to you. You will need to complete the application and provide adequate financial information to confirm proof of eligibility before you will be accepted into the SPC program. A large percentage of greater Minnesota hospitals participate in the SPC program.

Are there any limitations or things I should be aware of with the SPC program?
Yes. First, SPC and the Federation do not pay any bills; SPC is simply a waiving of copayments and deductibles. Second, you must go to the providers (hospitals, clinics and physicians) who have agreed to participate in the SPC program. Provider participation is voluntary. If you see a provider who does not participate in the SPC program, you will be billed. Not all physicians, clinics or hospitals participate in the program. Third, only Medicare covered services are covered by the SPC program. If the treatment, service, or item you receive is not covered by Medicare, you will be responsible for the payment. Examples include but are not limited to all outpatient prescription drugs, eyeglasses, and hearing aids.

What must I do to stay on SPC once I am enrolled?
Every year you will be required to complete an annual update application and submit financial information verifying you are still eligible for the program. If you do not complete your update, you will be removed from the SPC program.

Are there any fees associated with the SPC program?
There are no mandatory fees or premiums required to participate in the Senior Partners Care program. Membership in the Federation entitles you to the ancillary Senior Partners Care programs which include audiology, chiropractic, dental, durable medical equipment, optical, optometric, and podiatric. These ancillary programs offer a wide array of discounts.

Since my income meets the SPC guidelines, shouldn’t I drop my HMO or Medicare supplement to save me money?
No. Before making such an important decision you should consider the following:

a. Once you drop your HMO or Medicare supplement you will probably not be able to re-enroll without being health screened (unless you are enrolled in a Medicare plus Choice HMO).

b. Your physician may not participate in the SPC program. Since you must use the SPC providers you may be required to change physicians. The number of SPC providers is smaller than most HMO networks and Medicare supplemental policies offer.

c. You may be receiving care and services from your HMO or Medicare supplement which are not covered by Medicare and will not be waived by the SPC program. Examples of these could include preventive care, routing physicals, and prescription drugs.

d. The SPC program is unique to Minnesota. It is not available in any other state. There are no participating providers in other states. If you are our of the state and receive health care, you will be billed for the Medicare copayments and deductibles. Your HMO or Medicare supplement has coverage provisions if you are out of the state and have an emergency.

e. Finally, keep in mind that the Senior Partners Care program is not insurance. It is a great program for the right individual but it does have its limitations. If you can afford to keep your HMS or Medicare supplement and are satisfied with your care and coverage, we would encourage you to remain with your present plan.

I still have questions. Who should I call?
Call the Senior Federation’s Seven County information center during regular office hours of 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, at 320-679-4700 of toll-free 1-866-679-4700.