instED for CCA SCO Members: Benefits Explained

When you’re not feeling well, the last thing you want to do is sit in a crowded emergency room. instED flips that experience: urgent care comes to your door, on the same day, with the gear and clinicians to treat many common problems at home.

If you’re a CCA Senior Care Options (CCA SCO) member, instED is a covered benefit—no out-of-pocket cost—making it one of the most practical ways to get timely care without leaving your living room.

General about instED

What it is

instED is a mobile, in-home urgent care service, an on-demand alternative to the emergency department (ED) for non-life-threatening issues. Its goal is to get you safe, appropriate treatment quickly, keep you comfortable at home, and coordinate with your regular care team for follow-up.

How it works

Request care by phone, portal, or app.
A Registered Nurse reviews your symptoms and history (triage).
A Mobile Health Provider (paramedic/EMT) comes to your home, supervised by a physician or nurse practitioner via phone or video.
instED shares visit notes and test results with your PCP and CCA care team.

When it’s available

Phone lines: 8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m., every day (including weekends and holidays).
Online and app requests: 24/7 (after-hours requests are scheduled the next morning).

What services it brings

instED provides:

Point-of-care testing (rapid flu, COVID, strep, urinalysis, glucose)
Blood draws and EKGs
IV fluids and medications
Basic wound care and dressing changes
Catheter or G-tube checks
First-dose medication and e-prescriptions

Average visit time: about one hour.

Focus review on its benefits when you are a member of CCA SCO

Benefits for CCA SCO Members

$0 cost – Fully covered benefit under CCA SCO.
Same-day care at home – Response within 3–14 hours depending on urgency.
Reduced hospital use – Fewer ER visits and admissions after instED care.
Continuity – Records shared with your PCP and care team.
Convenience – Easy to reach by phone, online, or app (interpreters available).
Statewide coverage – Available across Massachusetts except Cape & Islands.

instED vs. 911 — Know the Difference

Topic	instED (CCA SCO benefit)	911 / Emergency Department
Purpose	In-home urgent care for non-life-threatening problems.	Immediate, life-saving response for emergencies.
Cost for CCA SCO	$0 (fully covered).	ED copay or charges may apply.
Response Pathway	Nurse triage → paramedic to your home → MD/NP supervision.	911 dispatcher → ambulance transport → hospital ED.
Hours	8 a.m.–10 p.m. daily (requests 24/7).	24/7.
Where Care Happens	Your home (tests, IVs, meds, wound care).	Hospital ED.
Typical Issues	Fever, flu, UTI, mild breathing issues, dizziness, minor wound care.	Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, stroke, heavy bleeding.
Transport	No transport (paramedic arrives without sirens).	Full emergency transport.

instED is not a rapid-response service. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911 immediately.

What symptoms that I should call, how do I know when I need to call, what I can do to reach instED

Call instED for these symptoms

Flu or fever
Shortness of breath (mild to moderate) or asthma
Urinary symptoms or infections
Nausea, vomiting, or dehydration
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Weakness or fatigue
Skin infections, redness, swelling
Back or joint pain
Headache or migraine
Anxiety, distress, or feeling unwell
Minor wound care, sprains, burns, or suture removal

How do I know it’s time to call?

A triage RN will confirm if instED is appropriate or redirect you to the ED/urgent care/PCP if needed.

If you feel worse than usual, your symptoms are new or growing, or you can’t reach your doctor right away, instED can fill that gap. Every request is screened by a nurse, who decides the urgency and sets a same-day visit time.

If your symptoms are severe or life-threatening—for example, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, major bleeding, stroke signs, or loss of consciousness—do not wait. Call 911.

How to reach instED

Call: 1-833-946-7833 (1-833-9-INSTED), open daily 8 a.m.–10 p.m.
Online: www.instED.us – request anytime.
Mobile App: Search “instED” in the App Store or Google Play.

Disclaimer

Medical Disclaimer: instED is not a rapid response or emergency service. If you are experiencing a medical or psychiatric emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department. Service hours: 8 a.m.–10 p.m., 365 days/year. After-hours requests are reviewed and scheduled the next morning.

This blog post is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Clare Senior Care AFC | GAFC Inc. is not affiliated with instED and does not provide or manage urgent medical care. All medical decisions and services described here are the responsibility of instED and your health plan (CCA SCO). Always seek professional advice from your doctor, nurse practitioner, or emergency services when you have questions about your health, symptoms, or treatment options.

Source

instED Easy Print Flyer (2025): overview, hours, symptoms.
instED CCA Member ENG : request steps, conditions treated, coverage.
Intro to instED (Sept 2025): service model, triage levels, outcomes, service area.

CCA Senior Care Options, MassHealth Guidance

instED for CCA SCO Members: No-Cost, At-Home Urgent Care You Can Count On