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Senior Care Plus expands into five new counties

Date:

SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE

Senior Care Plus, a Medicare Advantage Plan offered by Hometown Health, has expanded coverage in five new counties including Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Lyon and Storey.

Additionally, Senior Care Plus is concerned that many Medicare eligible beneficiaries in those counties and Washoe County are unaware of recent Health Care Reform changes that will impact their opportunity to select private health insurance for next year.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is Oct. 15, 2011, through Dec. 7, 2011, with an effective date of Jan. 1, 2012. During the Medicare Annual Enrollment period Medicare eligible beneficiaries can sign up or make changes to their current coverage, including choosing a Medicare managed care plan (Medicare Advantage or Stand-Alone Prescription Drug plans).

In years past, Medicare has allowed eligible beneficiaries to make a second change to their coverage between Jan. 1 and March 31, called the Open Enrollment Period. Health Care Reform has eliminated the Open Enrollment Period and substituted it with an Annual Disenrollment Period, which allows Medicare eligible beneficiaries to disenroll from Medicare Advantage plans and revert back to traditional (fee-for-service) Medicare and/or elect a Stand-Alone Prescription Drug plan.

Many Medicare eligible beneficiaries may wait until it is too late to enroll in managed care plans. These plans offer more cost savings and benefits than traditional (fee-for-service) Medicare. Senior Care Plus wants to educate the public about the change and cut down on possible beneficiary confusion and frustration.

“After Dec. 7, members will be locked-in to their plans until next year’s Annual Enrollment Period,” said Matt Ladich, director of government programs for Hometown Health. “Medicare Advantage plans can offer greater medical, prescription drug, and supplemental benefits in one plan with one insurance carrier versus other arrangements – this allows for lower costs and convenience to the beneficiary.”

Senior Care Plus is holding daily informational group meetings to assist current and new members with questions they have regarding any of the plan’s eight new benefit packages and the impact of Health Care Reform on Medicare Advantage. These informational meetings are designed to help Medicare eligible beneficiaries better understand Health Care Reform, available Senior Care Plus plans and complete their Annual Election Form.

At least five meetings a day are held at the 850 Harvard Way offices, in addition to walk-ins or home appointments. Additionally, specific meetings will be scheduled in the five new counties at various libraries and senior centers. Those interested can register for any of these meetings by calling 775-982-3191 or toll-free 888-775-7003. Reservations are strongly recommended. Visit seniorcareplus.com for more information.

Senior Care Plus, a product of Hometown Health Plan, Inc. is contracted with the Federal Government to offer a Medicare Advantage Plan with prescription drug coverage, available to anyone with both Medicare Parts A and B. Hometown Health is pleased to have been awarded another contract with Medicare for 2012 and will continue to offer its plans for a 16th year. Members must be residents of Carson City, Churchill, Douglas, Lyon, Storey and Washoe counties and continue to pay his or her Medicare Part B premium.

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