SCAN Health Plan announced it is partnering with Included Health, an integrated virtual care and navigation platform, to launch a Medicare Advantage plan developed exclusively for LGBTQ+ older adults in Los Angeles and Riverside counties in California.
“Older LGBTQ+ adults, who comprise the first generation to come out, have typically been overlooked and underserved by our healthcare system,” said Sachin Jain, M.D., president and CEO of SCAN Group and SCAN Health Plan, in an announcement. “SCAN Affirm is our way of addressing the unique health and social needs of LGBTQ+ seniors so that they may receive the specialized, quality healthcare they need to age with dignity and respect.”
There are roughly 3 million LGBTQ+ adults over age 50 in the United States and that number is expected to grow to around 7 million by 2030, according to recent research published by the American Psychological Association. In addition to the challenges that come with aging, as a group, LGBTQ+ older adults encounter distinct health and socioeconomic disparities that negatively impact their physical and mental health. This, compounded with the lack of social and familial support for some, poses a barrier to them aging with dignity.
The MA health plan will offer:
- Care navigation services by Included Health, including support for a range of health care and non-health care needs, peer groups, community resources, and advocacy
- Lower co-pays on specialty tier drugs, including HIV treatments and gender affirming hormone treatment
- Access to Included Health’s dedicated team, which is led by LGBTQ+ individuals, and which supports members and their loved ones in accessing clinically excellent, affirming care, and understanding their medical benefits.
- Virtual behavioral health care delivered by Included Health’s diverse provider group as well as on-demand virtual visits for everyday and urgent care needs
- Companion care services designed to address isolation and exclusion
- Legal services reimbursement (e.g., durable power of attorney and living will)
“A lot of thought and care went into designing the SCAN Affirm product with the goal to provide people in the LGBTQ+ community with a non-discriminatory, quality health care experience,” Jill Selby, senior vice president of product development, marketing, and market expansion for SCAN, said in the announcement. “By combining our expertise in caring for older adults with Included Health’s expertise in serving the LGBTQ+ population, we’re aiming to create a dignified health journey that goes way beyond just benefits. offers this growing community not only quality healthcare, but support in other areas of life that are largely unaddressed.”