Are You Losing Your Medicare Coverage?
5 Things
You Need to Know
If you have received notification from your Medicare Advantage Insurance Company stating that they are no longer offering your Medicare Advantage plan, Optima Medicare (PPO) is ready to help. We can provide information on where to go and how to make a decision about a Medicare Advantage plan that is right for you.
5 Things You Need to Know
1. Resources are available
There are a lot of community resources available to help you make a decision about a new Medicare Advantage plan.
Optima offers a free Medicare Decision Guide which is a great source of information when individuals are evaluating Medicare Advantage plans. You can request that a guide be mailed to you.
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2. Look at the health plan’s rating
Most health insurance companies are rated by national organizations on their customer service, financial stability, health information, program management and leadership.
Optima Health scored above the national average in key areas in a survey conducted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to assess the experiences of beneficiaries in Medicare Advantage plans. In fact, Optima Health is one of the highest ranked Medicare Advantage plans in the Hampton Roads and Richmond markets according to CMS at www.medicare.gov/*.
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3. Optima Members enjoy extra value-added services**
Make sure that any Medicare Advantage plan has the additional benefit features that you want and need.
With Optima Medicare (PPO), members enjoy member-focused services, including health programs about healthy aging, smoking cessation, healthy-heart living and fitness incentives.
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4. Reputation in the marketplace
When considering a new health plan provider, you will want to evaluate their reputation in the marketplace. Are they a company that you can trust? Have they been doing business for a long time? Will the company be here for a while?
Optima Health is a trusted member of the Virginia market, having provided health plan services since 1984—that is 25 years of caring.
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5. Look at the total cost of the Medicare Advantage plan
You will want to consider a plan’s current premium rate, out-of-pocket costs like copays, deductibles and coinsurance, as well value-added benefits that they offer.
Optima Medicare (PPO) strives to be the company of choice for Medicare Advantage market in Virginia. We have competitive pricing and continue to maintain a $0 premium and other low cost premium plans. Additionally, Optima Health provides a wealth of value-added benefits that can equate to additional savings for members. Compare Optima Medicare 2010 plan options.
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More Details
There are lots of community resources available to help you make a decision about a new Medicare Advantage plan. First, start by visiting your local Senior Services Center. They are a great source of information. Local insurance brokers are also ready to help with information about Medicare plans. Additionally, information can be found on the internet.
These resources are impartial and are not aligned with any one particular health plan company , so you will get the most unbiased information to help with your decision.
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Look at the health plan’s rating
Most health insurance companies are rated by national organizations on their customer service, financial stability, health information, program management and leadership. For Medicare Advantage plans, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) conduct an annual consumer assessment of healthcare providers that rate member experiences. How well a Medicare Advantage plan provider ranks in these areas can help you evaluate their programs. High scores generally relate to better plans. You can find out how plans rate at www.medicare.gov*.
Optima Medicare (PPO) scored above the national average in key areas in a survey conducted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to assess the experiences of beneficiaries in Medicare Advantage plans. The 2008 Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS®) Survey of Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans was conducted in the first half of 2008 and measured members’ experiences with our plan over the previous six months resulting in a 75.3% response rate which is above the national average for this survey. Additionally, the plan scored above the national average in the areas of customer service, getting needed care, how well doctors communicate,getting information about prescription drugs as well as with the health plan overall. Additionally, in the area of Medicare-specific, the plan scored above the national average in patients getting needed special therapy.
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Optima Members enjoy extra value-added services**
Make sure that any Medicare Advantage plan has the additional benefit features that you want and need. Most plans offer some kind of special discounts on hearing aids, vision care, acupuncture, fitness centers, health and preventive programs. These discounts and extras can add up fast and keep money in your pocket.
With Optima Health, members enjoy member-focused services, including health programs about healthy aging, smoking cessation, healthy-heart living and fitness incentives. Members can receive up to a 25% discount on acupuncture exams and treatment, routine chiropractic care, massage therapy, vitamins and herbs as well as discounts at fitness and exercise centers.
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Reputation in the marketplace
When considering a new health plan company , you will want to evaluate their reputation in the marketplace. Are they a company that you can trust? Have they been doing business for a long time? Will the company be here for a while? You want to evaluate the organization by looking through their Web site to see how long they have been in business, do they outreach to the community, and if they have strong ties to a corporate partner.
Optima Health is a trusted member of the Virginia market, having provided health plan services since 1984—that is 25 years of caring! In addition to Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans, Optima offers a full suite of commercial products including consumer-driven, employee-owned and employer-sponsored plans, individual and family health plans,and employee assistance plans. We currently provide coverage to more than 415,000 members across Virginia. We most recently entered into a public-private partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia to provide coverage to 17,000 employees in Hampton Roads. Our goal is to provide quality and cost-effective healthcare to Virginians.
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Look at the total cost of the Medicare Advantage plan
You want to consider a plan’s current premium rate, out-of-pocket costs like copays, deductibles and coinsurance, as well the value-added benefits they offer. Additionally, if you are planning to have procedures or surgeries in the near future, you will want to consider copays and deductibles, as they can increase your out-of-pocket expenses. Considering all of these issues will steer you to a plan that works for you.
Optima Health strives to be the provider of choice for Medicare Advantage in Virginia. We have competitive pricing and continue to maintain a $0 premium and other low cost premium plans. Additionally, Optima Health provides a wealth of value-added benefits that can equate to additional savings for members. With low copays and deductibles, Optima Medicare (PPO) is a great value for the price. Compare Optima Medicare 2010 plan options.
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What Would You Like to Do Now?
Enroll Now -- a Medicare Advisor can help,
call toll-free 1-866-806-0333 (TTY/TTD 1-800-225-7784)
Register for a free Optima Medicare (PPO) Meeting
Request a free Enrollment Kit and Decision Guide
* These links will take you to external Web sites not owned or operated by Optima Health
**The products and services described as extra value-added services are neither offered nor guaranteed under our contract with the Medicare program. In addition, they are not subject to the Medicare appeals process. Any disputes regarding these products and services may be subject to the Optima Medicare (PPO) grievance process.