Understood Care
Managing healthcare can be overwhelming, especially if you are living with a chronic illness, a serious diagnosis, or daily challenges that make it harder to get the care you need. Medicare recognizes these challenges and has introduced two important programs to help: Community Health Integration, also called CHI, and Principal Illness Navigation, also called PIN.
Both CHI and PIN are Medicare covered services designed to support patients beyond standard medical visits. CHI helps address nonmedical barriers to care such as transportation or housing issues, while PIN focuses on medical navigation for serious high risk conditions like cancer, COPD, or advanced heart failure. If you are unsure whether you qualify, you can read a full guide to CHI and PIN in the resources listed in the References section.
Community Health Integration is designed for Medicare patients whose health is impacted by social determinants of health. These are nonmedical challenges that can interfere with following a care plan. Examples include:
Principal Illness Navigation is focused on Medicare patients with serious high risk health conditions that require frequent medical care, complex treatment plans, or close monitoring. This program offers:
PIN is especially valuable for illnesses such as cancer, congestive heart failure, COPD, dementia, or severe mental health conditions. It helps reduce hospital visits, manage complicated treatment schedules, and connect you to support networks. You can learn more about PIN in the References section.
For many patients, healthcare involves multiple doctors, specialists, and caregivers. Without proper coordination, important details can get lost, which can lead to missed treatments or conflicting instructions.
This coordinated approach helps prevent gaps in care and keeps your health on track.
Both programs go beyond traditional Medicare services to connect you with resources you may not know are available.
Examples of CHI resource support:
Examples of PIN resource support:
By proactively addressing medical and non-medical needs, CHI and PIN help reduce unnecessary emergency visits and hospital admissions. This improves health outcomes and lowers costs and stress.
Example:
A patient with COPD who lacks reliable transportation might miss follow up visits, which can lead to flare ups and hospitalizations. With CHI, transportation is arranged, preventing missed care and reducing hospital risk.
No two patients are alike. CHI and PIN tailor services to your specific health conditions, home environment, and lifestyle.
This personalized approach helps you feel supported and understood.
When you are managing serious health challenges, even small obstacles can feel overwhelming. CHI and PIN remove barriers so you can focus on getting better.
Caregivers also benefit from reduced stress, since CHI and PIN navigators handle much of the coordination and follow up.
Some patients qualify for both CHI and PIN. This combination provides comprehensive support by addressing social barriers to care and the medical complexities of serious illness.
Example:
A cancer patient who also struggles with transportation and food insecurity could receive:
This dual approach maximizes care and support.
Maria lives alone and struggles to get to her doctor’s appointments due to mobility issues. CHI helps her arrange wheelchair accessible transportation and connects her to a meal delivery program, which supports her low sodium diet. With these supports in place, she keeps appointments and follows her care plan.
James is undergoing chemotherapy for lymphoma. His PIN navigator coordinates appointments between oncology, radiology, and primary care. The navigator also arranges home health check ins to monitor side effects. With a single point of contact, James stays on track with complex treatments.
An advocate can help you take the next steps:
You can call Understood Care or request an appointment online using the resource in the References section.
Can I be in both CHI and PIN at the same time
Yes, if you meet eligibility for both. Many patients benefit from the combined support.
Are CHI and PIN covered by Medicare
Yes. Both programs are covered for eligible patients under Medicare.
How do I know which program is right for me
Your provider or an advocate can assess your needs and recommend the best fit.
External Sources
Understood Care Internal Links
This content is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized care.
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