The Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Period is here! If you are Medicare eligible, you are now able to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or switch your Medicare coverage between October 15, 2011 and December 7, 2011 for a January 1, 2012 effective date.

Independent Health is pleased to announce that it will continue to offer affordable plan options* in 2012 that are designed to meet specific needs, such as $0 monthly premium plans that include the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit, as well as PPO options. Independent Health will maintain its current monthly premium rates for four of its Medicare Advantage individual plans. The monthly premium for one plan – Independent Health’s Encompass 65® HMO plan without prescription drug coverage – is even being lowered from $6 to $0. Independent Health’s other Medicare Advantage plan is increasing by only $4 per month.

Changes to the New York State
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. Independent Health’s staff of friendly and knowledgeable RedShirtsSM would be happy to explain these changes to you and help you find a plan that meets your needs.

EPIC members who enroll in Independent Health’s Encompass 65® HMO plan with prescription coverage will have their Medicare Advantage Part D plan premium be paid by EPIC (for those who qualify, income limitations apply). Like most of our Medicare Advantage plans, the Encompass 65 HMO plan with prescription coverage includes the following benefits*:

• Comprehensive vision coverage, including $0 copayment for routine eye exams.

• Preventive dental services, including up to two exams and cleanings a year.

• Basic gym membership through the exclusive SilverSneakers® Fitness Program.

• No referrals needed to see 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.

Visit one of our
Medicare Information Centers

To make sure that Western New Yorkers are well-informed when it comes to their Medicare coverage, Independent Health has once again opened several Medicare Information Centers** throughout the region that are staffed by our RedShirts. In addition to our year-round sites in Cheektowaga/Depew and Orchard Park, we have four other centers that are available through the open enrollment period.

Stop by one of our Medicare Information Centers where we’ll help you find the Medicare Advantage plan that is right for you through our exclusive RedShirt Benefit Review, which 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

Independent Health’s Medicare Information Centers are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the following locations:

Cheektowaga/Depew
Valu Plaza
(Across the street from Wegmans)
620 Dick Road

Niagara Falls
Wegmans Plaza
1637 Military Road

Tonawanda
Youngmann Plaza
(B.J.’s Wholesale Plaza)
746 Young Street

Lakewood
Independent Health
66 Chautauqua Avenue

Orchard Park
Tops Plaza
(Near Tim Horton’s)
3223 Southwestern Boulevard

Williamsville
Independent Health’s Customer Service Center
250 Essjay Road

Please note: Our RedShirts will be also be onsite at the Dale Association in Lockport on Wednesdays and Fridays.

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.

*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.

**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.

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