Longevity Health Plan, one of the nation’s leading independent providers of Medicare Advantage (MA) institutional special needs (I-SNP) plans in the skilled nursing industry, announced this week that it will be expanding into Michigan next month.

It plans to offer I-SNP plans across 16 counties in the state.

“We are pleased to partner with forward-thinking nursing home owners and operators in Michigan who embrace our multidisciplinary, holistic approach and recognize the value that our nurse practitioners bring in ensuring high-quality care for members and peace of mind for their loved ones,” Dr. Rene Lerer, CEO of Longevity, said in the press release announcing the expansion.

I-SNPs are a type of Medicare Advantage (MA) plan that restricts enrollment to people eligible for MA who, for 90 days or more, need or are expected to need the services of a SNF or another institution, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

The model was described by Jill Summer, vice president of population health management at American Health Care Association (AHCA), as the only model towards value-based payment and taking risks that can work for SNFs during an interview with SNN earlier this month.

When Longevity Health looks to enter a new market with its model, a key starting point for the company is to find the right, strategically aligned SNF partners who have a similar vision dedicated to moving to value-based care to improve patient outcomes.

“When you think about the importance and the power of the model, we feel excited about the opportunity to bring this to Michigan, which is a relatively new market for the I-SNP plan,” Marc Hudak, chief growth officer for Longevity Health Plan told SNN. “I’m thrilled to say we are in several states and we have over 25 SNF partners and that number is growing rapidly.”

Longevity uses a provider-sponsored model and creates partnerships with skilled nursing facilities with ownership split evenly between investors at the parent company and the local operators.

Individuals with Medicare Parts A and B and reside in or are expected to reside in a participating nursing facility for 90 days or more are eligible to join Longevity Health Plan.

Longevity’s launch will reportedly focus on nursing homes in southeastern Michigan, with expansion planned across the state. 

“We’re excited to get a start,” Hudak said. “We are focused on the greater Detroit Metro area. We are already enrolling people in our model, and the reception has been positive.”