Time is running out in Medicare's annual enrollment period

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Nov. 19, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Only a few weeks remain in Medicare's annual enrollment period, which began Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7.  This enrollment period is the primary opportunity Medicare recipients have each year to choose a new health plan — either switching from traditional Medicare to a private Medicare Advantage plan, changing from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or adding or changing prescription drug coverage. 

Medicare recipients should visit www.medicare.gov to review their coverage choices for next year.  The website shows the health plan choices by zip code, the health plans' Medicare quality ratings and their monthly premiums, copayments, deductibles, and the network of hospitals, doctors and other providers from whom a member can seek care.  Plans change every year, so even Medicare recipients happy with their current coverage should study the 2019 choices. 

VIVA MEDICARE is a Medicare Advantage plan choice in 31 counties across the state for 2019.  Key markets include Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, Florence, and Dothan, but the service area includes many other counties, as well.  VIVA MEDICARE provides Medicare recipients the opportunity to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that has earned the highest customer satisfaction survey score in the state for the past nine years, as noted by the Medicare & You Handbooks, 2011-2019.  In addition, VIVA MEDICARE has scored 4 out of 5 stars for 2019 from Medicare on its quality performance. 

"Quality and customer service are VIVA MEDICARE'S signature strengths," said Brad Rollow, VIVA's CEO.  "We are an Alabama-based company that takes personal pride in delivering the best coverage possible to our friends, neighbors and families." 

Medicare Advantage plans like VIVA MEDICARE cover all the benefits of traditional Medicare, typically offer additional benefits, and usually include prescription drug coverage.  Unlike traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans cap the amount of yearly out-of-pocket costs members pay for medical care, and most charge set copays for doctor's visits and hospital stays.

VIVA MEDICARE is offering five different Medicare Advantage plans in Alabama in 2019, with and without prescription drug coverage, as well as a special needs plan for members who have both Medicare and Medicaid coverage.  All of the 2019 VIVA MEDICARE plans offer free primary care visits as well as extra benefits beyond traditional Medicare for dental, vision, over-the-counter items, and fitness center membership.  Several of the plan choices do not have a monthly premium above the Medicare Part B premium, meaning members do not pay anything more than they would for traditional Medicare while they enjoy the extra benefits and value from the plan, including prescription drug coverage at no additional charge. 

THE VIVA MEDICARE network includes 60 hospitals and more than 8,000 doctors and other providers across Alabama as well as worldwide emergency coverage.     

VIVA MEDICARE is taking calls at 1-888-830-8482 (toll free) 7 days a week, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (April 1 – September 30:  Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.).  TTY users call 711.  You may enroll over the phone, online or request an individual appointment with an agent.   

About VIVA HEALTH:

Founded in 1995, VIVA HEALTH has a contract with the federal government to offer Medicare Advantage plans in 31 counties in Alabama and is licensed by the state to offer employer-sponsored coverage in 62 counties.  Part of the UAB Health System, VIVA HEALTH has more than 47,000 VIVA MEDICARE members and provides or administers health benefits to more than 55,000 members in employer group health plans.  VIVA MEDICARE has earned the top customer satisfaction survey score in the state for the past nine years in the Medicare & You handbook.  VIVA HEALTH is headquartered in Birmingham, and customer service questions are answered by employees in Alabama.   H0154_mcdoc2181A_M_11/18/2018

Contact: Anna Velasco – 205-558-7641 for photos or an interview with a VIVA MEDICARE representative

SOURCE VIVA MEDICARE