Medica Administrative Manual > Health Management and Quality Improvement > Care Management > Advanced Illness Program

Advanced Illness Program

Medica’s Advanced Illness Program provides comprehensive care for members facing life-limiting illness, generally defined as the last twelve months of life.  The model is focused on reducing the burden of illness impacting the physical, psycho-social, emotional, spiritual and environmental well-being of our members while supporting and honoring their unique traditions, culture and goals of care. The goal of the program is to identify and address quality of life and health care goals with the member, and to align the member’s goals with those of their caregivers, family and the health care team.

The Advanced Illness Program provides a specially trained nurse to deliver case management services.  An inter-disciplinary team, including pharmacy, behavioral health specialist, social work, and Medica’s Health Services Medical Director supports the member and the case manager and is available to provide insight, education and guidance. 

The case manager’s objectives are to:

• Focus on addressing current, future and advanced care planning
• Ensure timely introduction of the topic of advanced illness with a focus on illness trajectory
• Work toward alignment of the member’s health goals with caregivers, family and health care team
• Advocate for informed choice and member autonomy
• Facilitate connections to Palliative Care and Hospice, as appropriate 

REV 1/2024