5-star rating 2 years in a row

Priority Health Medicare Advantage plans are the only Michigan plan to earn 5-star rating 2 years in a row

(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Oct. 21, 2009) Priority Health's Medicare Advantage plans are recognized with a 5-star rating by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). They are the only plans in Michigan to earn the top rating two years in a row. The rating was published in the CMS annual Medicare & You handbook mailed to all Medicare beneficiaries prior to the Nov. 15 - Dec. 31 annual enrollment period. Medicare beneficiaries through a Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) survey determine the rating.

"This rating is a testament to our ability to provide Michigan with access to excellent and affordable health care," said Kimberly K. Horn, president and chief executive officer for Priority Health. "Medicare beneficiaries can be confident when they select a Priority Health plan, that they are getting the best value available."

Priority Health's Medicare Advantage plans vary in price based on where individuals live and what benefits they need. Those individuals eligible for Medicare may choose from four Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription drug coverage Priority Health offers, including:

• PriorityMedicare Value^SM – offers the lowest monthly premiums, making it ideal 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.
• PriorityMedicare Plus^SM – offers medical coverage that's similar to PriorityMedicare with enhanced prescription-drug coverage in the Medicare Part D coverage gap, called the "donut hole."
• PriorityMedicare Choice^SM is the newest and most comprehensive Medicare Advantage plan offered by Priority Health.

In addition to Priority Health's Medicare Advantage plans, it also provides several Medigap options and a prescription drug plan.

Priority Health's Medicare Advantage plans are available in 31 counties including Allegan, Antrim, Barry, Benzie, Cass, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Hillsdale, Ionia, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Kent, Leelanau, Livingston, Manistee, Mecosta, Missaukee, Monroe, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Oceana, Osceola, Ottawa, Roscommon, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wexford counties.

All Priority Health Medicare Advantage plans offer:

• Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage with no deductible
• Low out-of-pocket costs
• Preventive care
• Worldwide emergency and urgent care coverage
• Local in-Michigan customer service  

About Priority Health

Priority Health is a nationally recognized health benefits company based in Michigan. It serves more than half a million people with a broad portfolio of products including commercial and government health plans. As a nonprofit, Priority Health has been dedicated to providing all people access to affordable health care for more than 20 years. It continues to be recognized as one of America's Best Health Plans by U.S. News & World Report and NCQA.