Frequently Asked Questions

We support older adults both in their homes and at our Centers, helping them stay independent and connected to the community. While aging at home is important for many, doing so safely can sometimes be challenging. Our team understands these needs and provides compassionate, comprehensive support to help older adults remain secure and confident at home. Participants in our program enjoy a wide range of personalized healthcare services delivered either in their homes or at our LIFE Centers.

Program payment is determined based on Medicare and Medicaid eligibility. Typically, services are free to those who qualify for Medicare and Medicaid, but some participants are required to pay monthly fees if they are over income or asset limits determined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS). Participants that do not have Medicare or Medicaid can privately pay. Participants may be fully and personally responsible for the costs of unauthorized (other than emergency services) or out-of-program agreement services.

Many participants are enrolled in Medicare and qualify for Medicaid. Individuals likely to qualify for this program:

• Are 55 or older.
• Live in the service care area.
• Are certified by the state at a nursing home level of care.
• Have been assessed by our care team and can live safely in the community with our helpful services.

Yes. The focus of every LIFE organization is to help aging adults live in the community for as long as possible. To meet this goal, LIFE programs focus on preventive care.

Those who are eligible will receive home care services. Our team will let you know if your care plan incudes home care services.

We provide transportation to Mercy LIFE for activities or medical appointments. We also provide transportation to appointments scheduled by LIFE in your community.

Participants receive care through our dedicated care team and our network of primary and specialty providers. This means you will transition to our program’s primary care provider, and some current specialists may already be part of our network. During enrollment, our team will explain which doctors and services are included in the care plan to help ensure a smooth transition. Participants may be fully and personally responsible for the costs of unauthorized (other than emergency services) or out-of-program services.

A day at Mercy LIFE typically begins with safe, reliable transportation that brings participants to the Center in the morning. Upon arrival, participants enjoy a nutritious breakfast and time to socialize with others in the program. Throughout the day, individuals may have scheduled appointments with members of the interdisciplinary care team, including primary care providers, nurses, physical therapists, or occupational therapists. The Center also offers a wide range of engaging activities, wellness programs, and social groups designed to support physical, emotional, and social well‑being. A healthy lunch is served midday, and in the afternoon, transportation returns participants to their homes, ensuring a smooth and supportive end to the day.

Your benefits under Mercy LIFE can stop if you choose to disenroll from the program (voluntary) or if you no longer meet the conditions of enrollment (involuntary).

If you wish to leave Mercy LIFE, you should talk about it with your social worker who will help you with returning to other Medicaid/Medicare programs for which you are eligible. Your voluntary disenrollment is effective on the first day of the month following the date we receive your notice of voluntary disenrollment. Read about your rights upon disenrollment.

We will do everything possible to avoid involuntary disenrollment. We will provide you with reasonable notice before we take any action to disenroll you from our program. Your involuntary disenrollment is effective on the first day of the next month that begins 30 days after the day we send you notice of the disenrollment. Read about your rights upon disenrollment.