FirstCare Health Plans Brings Medicare Seminars to West Texas
Offering free, no-obligation informational seminars on Medicare Advantage plans and nearby one-on-one decision support for Medicare beneficiaries.
AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- If you or a loved one is eligible or covered by Medicare, you know how confusing it can be to make a decision about coverage when there are so many plan options. Now that the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) for 2016 has begun, many would prefer to have that face-to-face, personal attention so they can make an informed decision.
That's why FirstCare Health Plans is giving Medicare beneficiaries the opportunity to get their questions answered and learn more about FirstCare Advantage (HMO) plans at one of 87 free, no-obligation seminars that will be held at 17 different locations in the Lubbock, Amarillo, San Angelo, Midland and Odessa areas. For example, FirstCare will hold a seminar at 10 a.m. at the Fairfield Inn and Suites in San Angelo on November 16, 19, 23, 30, and December 4. To find out where a nearby seminar will be held, visit www.FirstCare.com/Seminars or call 1-866-902-9916 (TTY/TDD: 7-1-1), 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily. There is no obligation to enroll, refreshments will be served and attendees will receive a gift certificate valued at $10.
For 2016, FirstCare increased its Medicare Advantage service area—totaling 25 Texas counties in the Lubbock, Abilene, Midland/Odessa, Amarillo and San Angelo areas—where they offer Medicare Advantage plans with premiums as low as $0 a month, access to a 24-hour Nurse Line, routine vision care, and 100% preventive coverage. Some plans also include a gym membership.
Beneficiaries also have the assistance of specially trained FirstCare Advantage (HMO) representatives who will guide them through their plan options and related services. Beneficiaries can either walk in to the FirstCare Enrollment Center at 1901 West Loop 289, Suite 9, in Lubbock, Texas, or call 1-866-245-1580 to set up an appointment to meet or talk with a representative in the FirstCare service areas.
"FirstCare has been in West Texas communities for over 30 years. It is because of our history and strong relationships with Covenant Health in Lubbock and Hendrick Health System in Abilene, that we offer Medicare Advantage members access to coverage that is backed by a nearby network of high-quality doctors and services," said FirstCare Senior VP of Marketing and Sales, Ashley Allen. "Our goal is to help Medicare beneficiaries understand their options and make the enrollment process as easy as possible. That's why we're offering these seminars with face-to-face, personalized information."
In recent years, both the Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D programs have continued to grow, and the quality of participating plans has continued to rise. According to the 2015 data released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), beneficiaries often choose Medicare Advantage plans because they offer additional services and coverage than original Medicare and some supplemental plans. CMS noted that Medicare Advantage plans offer more predictability in out-of-pocket costs for seniors.
Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in FirstCare Medicare Advantage (HMO) during the federally regulated AEP from October 15, to December 7, 2015, with benefits effective January 1, 2016. Certain circumstances allow for enrollment throughout the year, outside of AEP.
About FirstCare Health Plans
Our mission is to provide access to high quality, affordable health care through strong partnerships in the communities we serve. Since 1985, we've been serving the health care needs of members across North, West, and Central Texas. Today, our service area includes 108 counties, with local offices in Abilene, Amarillo, Lubbock, and corporate offices in Austin, Texas. We offer a wide range of HMO, PPO, HSA, and ASO products through a variety of programs, including small and large employer plans; state, federal and teacher plans; government programs; and the Health Insurance Marketplace. With the support of our owners, Covenant Health in Lubbock and Hendrick Health System in Abilene, we serve over 178,000 members. For more information, please visit www.firstcare.com.
FirstCare Advantage (HMO) is a health plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in FirstCare Advantage (HMO) depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information at 1-866-245-1580 (TTY/TDD 1-800-562-5259). We are available October 1 – February 14, from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily and February 15 – September 30, from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., Monday – Friday. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodations of persons with special needs at sales meetings, call 1-866-902-9916 (TTY/TDD 7-1-1). H4525_40.60.1.558.161.E File & Use 11/15/2015. This information is available for free in other languages. Please contact our customer service number at 1.866.245-1580 for additional information. Esta información es disponible en otras lenguas. Por favor llame al servicios de cliente al 1.866.245.1580 para mas información.
SOURCE FirstCare Health Plans
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