PITTSBURGH, Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Gateway Health Plan, Inc. announced today plans to enhance its product offerings with the introduction of Gateway Health Plan Medicare Assured, a Medicare approved Special Needs Plan. Individuals who are covered by Medicare Parts A and B and Medicaid in the approved 23-county Pennsylvania service area are eligible to enroll beginning November 15, 2005, with initial enrollments effective for January 1, 2006 memberships.
The 2006 benefit package, approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), focuses on providing optimum health care coverage for many of Pennsylvania’s low-income, elderly or disabled people who receive both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare Assured will provide members with comprehensive health care coverage, including doctor’s visits, hospitalization, and the new Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit.
“Gateway Health Plan Medicare Assured fits in very well with our mission to serve Medical Assistance recipients. There are approximately 250,000 dual eligibles in Pennsylvania, and many of them are underserved when it comes to health care. This plan has been designed specifically for the dual-eligible beneficiary who wants comprehensive health coverage that is a robust alternative to original Medicare or supplemental plans. It features an excellent drug benefit package and also offers many added benefits,” said Michael Blackwood, president and chief executive officer of Gateway Health Plan, Inc.
Gateway Health Plan Medicare Assured, much like Gateway’s other plans, places an emphasis on health and wellness and will operate a medical management model focused on personalized medical treatment that encourages preventive care. Medicare Assured members have the flexibility to select and choose from more than 2,700 physicians and 40 hospitals, in addition to a large network of pharmacies, home healthcare agencies and other related health services.
“For members who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid benefits, the Gateway Health Plan Medicare Assured plan offers a selection of often essential benefits, including prescription drug benefits above the basic Medicare Part D benefit. Not only will Medicare Assured cover basic health care services such as routine dental, hearing and vision services, it further offers the member additional benefits that include health management programs and over-the-counter medications and vitamins when prescribed by a doctor,” added Blackwood.
To find out more about Gateway Health Plan Medicare Assured, please call toll-free 1-877-GATEWAY.
About Gateway Health Plan
Gateway Health Plan is a Medicaid HMO serving the Medical Assistance population in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Established in 1992 as a managed care alternative to Pennsylvania’s Department of Public Welfare’s Medical Assistance Program, Gateway first became operational serving Medicaid members in Allegheny County. Focused on expansion under the leadership of Michael Blackwood, president and chief executive officer since 1998, Gateway now operates in 39 counties in Pennsylvania and two counties in Ohio. Gateway Health Plan has over 267,000 members. For more information, visit http://www.gatewayhealthplan.com .
Gateway Health Plan
CONTACT: Melinda S. Kaiser of Gateway Health Plan, +1-412-761-3838, ormelinda@lowerscomm.com
Web site: http://www.gatewayhealthplan.com/
