Gateway Health To Offer New Medicare Plan to Residents of Philadelphia, Bucks and Delaware Counties

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 10, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Gateway Health is pleased to announce that Medicare eligible individuals living in Philadelphia, Bucks and Delaware counties will now have access to a cost-effective new Medicare Advantage health plan through a partnership with Mercy Health System and St. Mary Medical Center.  This new Medicare MAPD (Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug) plan is largely targeted toward individuals turning 65 and aging into Medicare, however it is also available to any beneficiary who has Medicare Part A and B.  Most importantly, this new plan option provides Medicare eligible individuals within Philadelphia, Bucks and Delaware counties access to the high quality, respected doctors, specialists and hospitals affiliated with Mercy Health System and St. Mary Medical Center within the region.  Previously Gateway only offered Special Needs Plans (SNP) in the Philadelphia market, which included qualifying conditions or income requirements in order to enroll.     

"The new opportunity presented by aligning with Mercy Health System and St. Mary Medical Center opens a vast array of possibilities for Medicare eligible consumers in the Philadelphia and Delaware Valley region," said Patricia Darnley, President and CEO of Gateway Health.  "The new members we can attract will have access to the unique, holistic focus and affordability and quality that pervades all Gateway health plan options, while also gaining access to over a 1,000 doctors and hospitals that are part of Mercy Health System and St. Mary Medical Center.  This is a win for the region and an even bigger win for the Medicare eligible individuals living within this region."

The new Gateway MAPD plan that is being offered in Philadelphia, Bucks and Delaware counties includes cost-effective pricing and attractive value-added benefits that other plans may not offer:

• $0 Monthly Premium
• $0 Deductible
• Generic Prescriptions starting at $0
• $0 Primary Care Physician
• Fitness Benefit

"The missions that guide our organizations are extremely complementary so it was a logical and important decision to expand Gateway's Medicare Advantage products in our market to include access to Mercy doctors and facilities," said Susan Croushore, President and CEO of Mercy Health System.  "Mercy Health System, St. Mary Medical Center and Gateway have the unique synergy of all being part of Trinity Health so it makes sense to offer this exciting new product that can attract new Medicare members to Gateway Health."

"Through this new product, patients in our community will not only have access to high-quality, comprehensive care at St. Mary they have come to count on, but will now have access to quality health plan coverage and care management that does not only treat their physical health, but takes the approach that mind, body and soul are the keys to healthy and vibrant individuals," said James Woodward, President and CEO, St. Mary Medical Center.

Understanding the challenge of introducing a new health plan option during the overcrowded Medicare Annual Enrollment season, Gateway will hold various seminars and community outreach events to introduce and educate residents of eligible counties to the features, benefits and costs of the plan.  In addition, a multi-channel marketing campaign that includes direct mail, mass media and other forms of outreach will round out the campaign to attract new members to enroll in this new Medicare plan for the Philadelphia area market.

"We are optimistic and enthusiastic that residents of Philadelphia, Delaware and Bucks counties will recognize the unequaled value and access that this new Medicare plan will offer them," said Darnley. "We are exploring all options to strengthen and reinforce the valuable relationship between Gateway, Mercy Health System and St. Mary's Medical Center and how that can improve the health and wellness of Medicare eligible residents in the regions we jointly serve."

Mercy Health System and St. Mary's Medical Center and members of Michigan-based Trinity Health of which Gateway Health is partially owned. Trinity is one of the largest multi-institutional Catholic health care delivery systems in the nation. It serves people and communities in 22 states from coast to coast with 93 hospitals, and 120 continuing care locations.   By leveraging the strength and reach of such a successful national parent organization, Gateway hopes to continue offering greater access to a more providers and hospitals, which ultimately benefit its Medicare Advantage membership.

About Gateway Health 

Gateway Health is a nationally ranked managed care organization (MCO) that focuses on providing the best possible healthcare to the growing number of Medicaid and Medicare Advantage consumers. Gateway Health serves the needs of at risk and vulnerable citizens, providing Medicaid managed care services in Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia and Medicare coverage in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Ohio and North Carolina. As Pennsylvania's original alternative to Medical Assistance, Gateway members have benefitted from services such as disease and care management, health and wellness programs and preventive care for over 23 years.  To learn more about Gateway Health, visit us online at www.gatewayhealthplan.com.

About Mercy Health System

A diverse, integrated system providing comprehensive health care services, Mercy Health System, a part of Trinity Health, comprises three acute care hospitals, a home healthcare organization, several wellness centers, physician practices, a federal PACE program, and co-owner of managed care plan, Gateway Health Plan.  With 250 primary care and specialty physicians, Mercy Health System is a teaching community health system affiliated with Drexel University School of Medicine and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM). As a mission-driven regional health ministry, we will become the recognized leader in improving the health of our communities and each person we serve. We will be known as the most trusted health partner for life. To learn more about Mercy Health System, visit www.mercyhealth.org.

About St. Mary Health

St. Mary Health, a member of Trinity Health, the nation's second largest Catholic health care organization, is an integrated health care system based in Langhorne, Pa. At the core is St. Mary Medical Center, the most comprehensive medical center in the Bucks County region. The St. Mary Health staff of more than 700 physicians, 3,200 colleagues, and 1,100 volunteers is committed to providing excellence in patient safety and compassionate, quality care through an enhanced and expanding array of health and wellness services designed to meet community needs now and in the future. For a full listing of the myriad health care services St. Mary Health offers, visit www.stmaryhealthcare.org.

Gateway Health^SM offers HMO plans with a Medicare Contract. Some Gateway Health plans have a contract with Medicaid in the states where they are offered.  Enrollment in these plans depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or copayments may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium.

Gateway Health^SM complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Gateway Health^SM does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

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SOURCE Gateway Health