If you’re close to turning 65, you will soon be eligible for Medicare. Since there will be many new options for you to consider, you may feel a bit overwhelmed or confused when it comes time to choosing a Medicare plan. At Independent Health, we want to help make your transition easy and convenient. It’s one of the reasons more people choose Independent Health for their Medicare coverage than any other plan in Western New York.*

Visit one of our
Medicare Information Centers
To make sure that all Western New Yorkers are well-informed when it comes to their Medicare coverage, Independent Health has opened year-round Medicare Information Centers** in Cheektowaga/Depew and Orchard Park. Both centers are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Each site is staffed by our friendly and knowledgeable RedShirtsSM, who will be happy to answer any Medicare-related questions you may have and can help you find the Medicare Advantage plan that is right for you. As part of our exclusive RedShirt Benefit Review, a RedShirt will meet with you one-on-one to discuss your specific needs and walk you through our Medicare Advantage plan offerings. This review includes our 3-Point Promise:
• Review your health care and prescription needs
• Find a plan to meet your budget
• Reassure you that your doctor is in our network
After meeting with a RedShirt, you’ll feel confident that you have the plan that fits your individual needs.

Our plans provide
outstanding coverage and benefits
Independent Health is proud to offer a variety of affordable Medicare Advantage plans to meet your needs, such as $0 monthly premium plans with and without prescription coverage. Many of our plans include the following benefits***:
• No referrals needed to participating providers.
• $0 copayment for preventive services such as mammograms, cholesterol screenings colonoscopies and annual physicals.
• $0 copayment for select preferred generic prescription drugs that are used to treat conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, reflux, glaucoma and osteoporosis.
• Comprehensive vision coverage, including $0 copayment for routine eye exams.
• Preventive dental services, including up to two exams and cleanings a year.

Get moving with SilverSneakers
As an Independent Health Medicare Advantage plan member, you can take advantage of the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program benefit. SilverSneakers is the nation’s leading exercise program designed exclusively for Medicare beneficiaries. It offers an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially oriented programming that allows older adults to take greater control of their health.
All of Independent Health’s Medicare Advantage plans provide the SilverSneakers Fitness Program at no additional cost to the member’s monthly plan premium. SilverSneakers members receive a basic membership to a participating fitness center, where they can enjoy specialized fitness classes focused on improving strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. In addition to classes, SilverSneakers participants can enjoy other fitness facility membership benefits where available, including use of the facility’s exercise equipment, such as treadmills and exercise bikes.

Important reminders
about EPIC Program
If you’re currently enrolled in New York State’s Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) Program, there are several changes that the State has made to the program that you should be aware of for 2012, including:
• There will be no EPIC fees or deductibles.
• EPIC will only provide you with drug coverage and lower copays for prescription drugs while you are in your Medicare Part D coverage gap (donut hole).
• In order to receive EPIC benefits in 2012, all members must enroll or remain in a Medicare Part D drug plan.
EPIC members who enroll in Independent Health’s Encompass 65® HMO plan with prescription coverage will have their Part D plan premium be paid by EPIC (for those who qualify, income limitations apply).

We’re here to help!
If you have any questions about Independent Health’s Medicare Advantage plan options or the upcoming changes to the EPIC program, our RedShirts can be reached at (716) 635-4900 or 1 (800) 958-4405, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (February 15-October 14) and Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (October 15-February 14). TDD users: 1 (800) 432-1110.
A Medicare Organization with a Medicare contract.
*Per CMS/WNY enrollment data, 9/11.
**A sales representative will be present to assist with information and applications. For accommodations of persons with special needs at sales meetings, please call (716) 635-4900 or 1 (800) 958-4405, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (February 15-October 14) and Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (October 15-February 14). TDD: 1 (800) 432-1110.

***Benefits vary by plan. The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits. For more information, contact the plan. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, premium and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1, 2013.
Y0042_C2631 File & Use 11142011