More affordable choices for Michigan seniors

(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – November 10, 2008) Priority Health, a nationally recognized health plan, has reduced its Medicare premiums for 2009. With these lower rates, 11 counties within its Medicare service area will have access to $0-per-month health plans. Priority Health also earned approval from the federal government's Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to expand its Medicare service area from 19 to 23 counties. Priority Health Medicare Advantage health plans are now available in Emmet, Hillsdale, Jackson and Mecosta counties.

"We are focused on continuing to expand and improve our Medicare product because we believe it is important to provide individuals with access to affordable, quality care," said Leon Lamoreaux, vice president of government programs for Priority Health. "With these products, individuals eligible for Medicare can work with Priority Health to access nationally recognized care and customer service, enjoy lower premiums, experience virtually no paperwork and have the security of worldwide emergency, urgent-care and prescription-drug coverage."

The three PriorityMedicare^SM Advantage plans vary in price based on where individuals live and what benefits they are looking for. Those individuals eligible for Medicare may choose from a a prescription-drug-only plan Priority Health offers, or a Medicare Advantage plan including:

• PriorityMedicare Value^SM offers the lowest monthly premiums – for those individuals who don't use their medical benefits very often.
• PriorityMedicare^SM offers a slightly higher premium than PriorityMedicare Value, with lower copays and out-of-pocket costs and no deductible for covered prescription drugs.
• PriorityMedicare Plus^SM offers medical coverage similar to PriorityMedicare with enhanced prescription-drug coverage in the Medicare Part D coverage gap, called the "donut hole."
• PriorityMedicare Rx^SM is a stand-alone prescription-drug plan. It is available to Medicare-eligible individuals throughout the state of Michigan.

Medicare is available to individuals age 65 and older as well as to some people with disabilities. Medicare recipients may enroll between November 15 and December 31, 2008. Visit priorityhealth.com/medicare to learn more about Priority Health Medicare plans, premiums by county and participating health care providers. A free informational packet is also available by calling 888 389-6676.

Priority Health Medicare Advantage health plans are available in 23 counties, including Allegan, Antrim, Barry, Benzie, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Hillsdale, Jackson, Kalkaska, Kent, Leelanau, Manistee, Mecosta, Missaukee, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, Ottawa, Roscommon and Wexford. The 11 counties with access to $0 per-month health plans include Allegan, Barry, Kent, Missaukee, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, Ottawa and Wexford.

Priority Health began offering Medicare Advantage and prescription-drug plans in 2005. It currently provides Medicare coverage to more than 12,000 people.