VNS Health Medicare Members: Specialty Care Brought Home

Yes. VNS Health was long known as the Visiting Nurse Service of New York, and its health plans were previously offered under the VNSNY CHOICE name. Today, the organization and its plans use the VNS Health name, with plans such as VNS Health Total, VNS Health EasyCare, VNS Health EasyCare Plus, VNS Health MLTC, and SelectHealth from VNS Health. Many members and families still search for VNSNY CHOICE out of habit, and both names refer to the same organization. If you are unsure which plan you have now, your most recent member ID card and plan materials will confirm it. Aspire Healthcare Solutions provides at-home specialty care for members who know their plan by either name.

VNS Health Total (HMO D-SNP) is an integrated Medicaid Advantage Plus plan created for people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid and have long-term care needs. It combines Medicare coverage with Medicaid long-term care services in one plan, along with care management designed to help members live as independently as possible. VNS Health reports that VNS Health Total earned the New York State Department of Health’s highest Quality Incentive rating in 2024. Because VNS Health Total members typically need ongoing support at home, traveling to specialist appointments can be especially difficult. Aspire Healthcare Solutions brings podiatry, eye care, hearing care, and lab collection directly to these members, so specialty needs are met in the same place as the rest of their care.

VNS Health EasyCare (HMO) is a Medicare Advantage plan for Medicare beneficiaries. VNS Health EasyCare Plus (HMO D-SNP) is a Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan for people who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid but do not have long-term care needs. Members with both Medicare and Medicaid who do need long-term care services are generally served by VNS Health Total instead. All three are Medicare Advantage plans that cover the medically necessary services Original Medicare covers, with extra benefits that vary by plan. Some services may require a referral or prior authorization, so the plan’s Evidence of Coverage and Member Services are the best sources for details. Aspire Healthcare Solutions provides at-home specialty care for members of each plan.

VNS Health MLTC is a Medicaid Managed Long-Term Care plan, and New York’s managed long-term care benefit package includes podiatry, optometry and eyeglasses, audiology and hearing aids, durable medical equipment, and personal emergency response systems, along with services such as home care and personal care. These services are generally provided when medically necessary, are typically arranged through the member’s care plan, and may require prior authorization. Medicare continues to cover doctor visits and lab services for MLTC members who also have Medicare. The member’s care manager and Member Handbook are the best sources for how each service is approved. Aspire Healthcare Solutions provides mobile podiatry, optometry, and audiology at home, helping members access these services without the burden of travel.

Both. VNS Health describes itself as one of the nation’s largest nonprofit home- and community-based health care organizations, offering a full range of health care services as well as health plans. Its health plans, including VNS Health Total, EasyCare, EasyCare Plus, MLTC, and SelectHealth, provide coverage and care management for members. Aspire Healthcare Solutions is a separate, independent healthcare provider and is not part of VNS Health. We do not sell or enroll members in health plans. Our role is to bring specialty care, such as podiatry, eye exams, hearing care, and lab collection, directly to patients at home. For questions about VNS Health plans or enrollment, contact VNS Health Member Services, New York Medicaid Choice, or 1-800-MEDICARE.