 |
|
(November 20, 2006) — SCAN Health Plan has been honored as a “2006 National
Innovator” by the not-for-profit organization Aging with Dignity for taking a
leading role in helping people make important decisions before serious illness
occurs. Aging with Dignity is best known for creating the Five Wishes document,
the most popular advance directive in America.
Last year SCAN launched an initiative to train staff in discussing advance care
planning issues with its members using the Five Wishes document. Five Wishes is
the first advance directive to address important personal, emotional and
spiritual issues, in addition to healthcare decisions.
“Many people know what kind of treatment they would want or refuse in certain
situations; and as part of our commitment to our members, we want to make sure
that those wishes are known,” said Tim Schwab, chief medical officer of SCAN.
“Having an advance directive allows an individual to clearly state their
feelings about these important issues; and it facilitates communication among
patients, families and healthcare providers.”
SCAN, which routinely makes Five Wishes widely available to its members and
their families, was recognized at Aging with Dignity’s 10th anniversary
celebration held in Florida. Governor Jeb Bush and U.S. Assistant Secretary for
Aging Josefina Carbonell were on hand to help celebrate and congratulate the
honorees.
Aging with Dignity is a private, nonprofit organization that was founded in 1996
by Jim Towey, the former legal counsel to Mother Teresa and former head of
Florida’s social services agency. In 10 years it has grown to become America’s
leading advocate for dignified care of the elderly and disabled. Information
about Five Wishes and other programs offered by Aging with Dignity may be found
at www.agingwithdignity.org.
SCAN is one of California’s fastest-growing senior-focused health plans,
currently serving more than 90,000 Medicare-eligible individuals in Los Angeles,
Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura and Kern counties. Effective January
1, 2007, SCAN will begin serving members in San Diego County through a
partnership with Scripps Health. In addition, the plan was recently awarded a
three-year contract by the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System to
provide long-term care services in Maricopa County. Further information may be
obtained at www.scanhealthplan.com.
|
|
|