Alliance to Address Rising Rate of Chronic Illness Among Seniors and Related Impact on Family Caregivers

BALTIMORE March 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- XLHealth, a leading expert on chronic illnesses and provider of health plan solutions for Medicare beneficiaries with special needs, today announced a long-term partnership with the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA), the nation's largest nonprofit caregiver organization, to address the growing needs of millions of individuals caring for seniors with chronic illnesses.

This partnership brings together two expert organizations committed to the same mission: providing resources to help a growing number of family caregivers supporting loved ones with one or more chronic illnesses. XLHealth and NFCA will build a shared family caregiver program—empowering and educating family caregivers by providing valuable resources and tools to help them better care for themselves and their loved one. XLHealth will also serve as a member of the NFCA's Corporate Leadership Council—lending its chronic illness expertise to the association's numerous programs and outreach initiatives.

"Every day, 10,000 baby boomers become Medicare-eligible, many while still caring for a loved one with one or more chronic illnesses," said Paul Serini, executive vice president for XLHealth. "It is a critical time for like-minded organizations such as the National Family Caregivers Association and XLHealth to come together and develop effective solutions for all."

Recent reports from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control& Prevention (CDC) indicate that eight of every 10 Americans age 65 or older live with a chronic illness such as diabetes or heart failure, and more than 65 million people provide care for such individuals. According to the NFCA, an alarming 23 percent of caregivers are age 65 and older, and more than 13 million baby boomers serve as caregivers for sick parents – many facing difficult decisions regarding their own care. (1)

"Caregivers are presented with new and challenging situations each day," said Suzanne Mintz, president and co-founder of NFCA. "Our partnership with XLHealth will allow us to expand our resources and support for caregivers nationwide, while enhancing the quality of life for their loved ones."

About XLHealth Corporation

XLHealth Corporation is the owner and operator of Care Improvement Plus, a Medicare Advantage health plan committed to delivering quality health care benefits and serving the underserved. Focused on improving patient outcomes and reducing health care spending, Care Improvement Plus provides comprehensive Medicare coverage and a Part D prescription drug benefit, plus additional services including care management support.

About the National Family Caregivers Association

The National Family Caregivers Association educates, supports, empowers and speaks up for the more than 65 million Americans who care for loved ones with a chronic illness or disability or the frailties of old age. NFCA reaches across the boundaries of diagnoses, relationships and life stages to help transform family caregivers' lives by removing barriers to health and well-being.

(1) Discovery Health, "How Baby Boomers Work," http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/aging/baby-boomers6.htm.

SOURCE XLHealth Corporation