Affinity Health Plan Expands its Medicare Plans into Five Additional New York Counties

BRONX, N.Y., Sept. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 1, 2013, Affinity Health Plan's Medicare Advantage plans, currently offered in the five boroughs of New York City, will become available in Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland and Orange counties. This expansion will enable residents of these counties to benefit from Affinity's superb customer service, large network of doctors and some of the best area hospitals. It will also create new opportunities for collaboration with providers and other community partners, as the Plan extends eligibility for its Medicare plans across the metropolitan area.

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The expansion coincides with the launch of the New York State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace, in which Affinity will offer its Essential Plan in the same coverage area as its Medicare Advantage plans.

"For nearly 30 years, Affinity has been dedicated to offering quality healthcare coverage to underserved New Yorkers – and the expansion of our Medicare plans to five new counties enhances and reinforces that commitment," said Lisa Keehn, Affinity's Executive Director of Medicare. "We look forward to providing quality health coverage to seniors and other eligible consumers in the new counties of our service area, consistent with our mission to help everyone in our communities access quality healthcare."

Affinity's two Medicare Advantage plans, Affinity Medicare Ultimate and Affinity Medicare Solutions are geared toward Medicare beneficiaries who also receive Medicaid and/or assistance from New York State with Medicare Part B premiums, also known as "dual eligibles." These plans cover all the benefits and services that Medicare covers as well as other supplemental benefits including routine vision care, dental services, routine transportation (Solutions) and an allowance toward over the counter items (Ultimate) – but without the high out of pocket costs associated with Original Medicare. While "dual eligibles" can enroll throughout the year, open enrollment for Medicare Advantage for 2014 officially begins on October 1^st.

Affinity first entered the Medicare market in 2007 in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island. The addition of the Medicare line of business expanded the population that Affinity serves, which now ranges from babies to older adults.

On October 1^st, at 10:00am, Affinity will join with community members to celebrate the expansion of its health plan offerings with "Affinity Community Day," a celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony at an Affinity Community Service Center in Brooklyn, 2230D Church Avenue. All are welcome. Local elected officials, community leaders, New York residents and Affinity employees will enjoy music, food and entertainment, and benefit from free multilingual health insurance resources and counseling.

About Affinity Health Plan - Affinity Health Plan is an independent, not-for-profit organization offering quality health care coverage to underserved New Yorkers. Affinity is proud to be an approved health plan for NY State of Health: The Official Health Plan Marketplace, and to continue providing plans sponsored by New York State Medicaid managed care and Medicare. Founded in 1986, Affinity serves members in New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland and Orange counties. For more information, visit www.affinityplan.org or follow Affinity on Facebook and YouTube.  

SOURCE Affinity Health Plan