For adults staying healthy goes beyond just going to doctors and taking medicine. Daily struggles-like not being able to get food, getting around having a place to live or feeling connected to others-can make it harder to take care of one’s health.
Community Health Integration or CHI is a care coordination service that can help Medicare beneficiaries who qualify. It connects people with community resources to support their health-related social needs.
What Is Community Health Integration (CHI)?
Community Health Integration or CHI is for patients who need help with issues that can make it hard to take care of their health or get the care they need.
Each patient has situations and CHI can include finding the right needs bringing services together and helping the patient reach local resources.
CHI is not a substitute for care. It works along with the care a patient already has by dealing with some of the non-medical things that can affect health.
Why Social Needs Can Affect Senior Health
An older adult may have difficulty managing adult health because of circumstances outside the doctors office.
For example limited transportation may make it difficult for an older adult to attend appointments.
Difficulty obtaining food may affect an older adult dietary choices.
Housing-related challenges may create barriers to maintaining a safe and healthy environment, for an older adult.
Identifying these concerns can help healthcare professionals better understand the factors affecting an adult’s health and determine whether additional support may be appropriate.
How CHI May Help With Food-Related Needs
Access to food can be a key part of staying healthy especially for older people who have long-term health problems.
Some older people might find it hard to buy groceries, cook meals or get to places where they can get food.
When it makes sense CHI can help people who qualify find and get in touch with services that help with food needs.
Examples of Potential Community Resources
Depending on location and eligibility, resources may include:
- Local food banks and food pantries
- Community meal programs
- Senior nutrition programs
- Meal-support organizations
- Other local food assistance programs
Important: CHI does not necessarily provide food or guarantee enrollment in a food assistance program. Available resources and eligibility requirements vary by community and individual circumstances.
How CHI May Help With Transportation Needs
Transportation is an issue for older adults who no longer drive or who cannot rely on steady transportation.
Difficulty getting to healthcare appointments, pharmacies, grocery stores or community services can block health care.
For patients CHI can help find and link to suitable transportation community resources and transportation can be secured when available.
Transportation Resources May Include
Depending on the patient’s location and eligibility, resources could include:
- Community transportation programs
- Senior transportation services
- Local nonprofit transportation assistance
- Transportation programs connected with community organizations
CHI does not guarantee transportation services or coverage. Individual programs may have their own eligibility rules, availability, and costs.
How CHI May Help With Housing-Related Needs
Safe housing and stable housing are important for well-being.
Some seniors may have worries about housing stability, utilities, living conditions or how to get housing-related help.
When these needs affect a patient’s health CHI can help eligible individuals find community organizations or social-service resources that can give assistance.
Potential Housing-Related Resources
Depending on local availability, resources may include:
- Housing assistance organizations
- Utility assistance programs
- Community social-service agencies
- Senior support organizations
- Local programs addressing housing-related needs
CHI does not guarantee housing, financial assistance, or enrollment in any particular program.
How CHI May Support Social and Community Connections
Social connection can also be an important part of healthy aging.
Some older adults may experience social interaction because older adults face mobility challenges, transportation barriers, living arrangements or other circumstances.
When it is appropriate CHI may help eligible patients find community‑based programs and organizations that can provide opportunities for connection and support.
Examples of Community Connections
Resources may include:
- Senior centers
- Community organizations
- Social and recreational programs
- Local support groups
- Volunteer or community engagement opportunities
The availability of these services depends on the patient’s location and the organizations operating in their community.
Who May Be Eligible for CHI?
CHI is intended for eligible Medicare beneficiaries who meet applicable requirements and have qualifying health-related social needs.
Not every Medicare beneficiary will qualify for CHI, and eligibility should be determined based on the individual’s circumstances and applicable Medicare requirements.
A healthcare professional can help determine whether CHI is appropriate for a particular patient.
CHI Can Help Connect Healthcare With Community Resources
Health is affected by more than medical care. Problems with getting food getting around having a place to live and feeling connected to others can sometimes stop people from staying healthy and getting the care they need.
For patients who qualify, Community Health Integration can help find what they need and link them to the community help.
The purpose is not to guarantee a result or a particular service but to help qualified patients find the support that might be useful, for their health and their situation.
Learn More About CHI With Medcare
If you or a loved one is experiencing social or everyday challenges that may affect healthcare, Medcare can help you learn more about Community Health Integration.
Eligibility and services depend on individual circumstances and applicable Medicare requirements.
Contact Medcare to learn more about CHI and find out whether you may be eligible.
Important Disclaimer
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, legal advice, or a guarantee of Medicare coverage or eligibility. Community Health Integration (CHI) services are subject to applicable Medicare requirements, eligibility criteria, and coverage rules. Community resources vary by location and may have separate eligibility requirements, availability, and costs. Coverage and program requirements may change. Patients should speak with their healthcare professional and/or Medicare for information about their individual situation.
