Medicare info centers open

Priority Health opens Medicare Information Centers

(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – October 5, 2009) Priority Health announced today the opening of Medicare Information Centers in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Royal Oak and Traverse City.

"When choosing a health plan, many people prefer a face-to-face environment where a helpful and knowledgeable expert can explain their choices," said Joan Budden, chief marketing officer at Priority Health. "We’re here to help make the Medicare enrollment process as easy as possible — right within our communities. Those eligible for Medicare plans will be able to discuss their coverage needs with someone who can help them identify the plan options best suited for their life."

Medicare Advantage open enrollment runs Nov. 15 – Dec. 31. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can switch health plans and adjust their benefits for 2010.

Convenient locations throughout Michigan
The Medicare Information Centers are a "one-stop shop" for those interested in learning more about Medicare. Most of the following locations opened Oct. 1:

• 1239 East Beltline NE, Grand Rapids (on the Priority Health campus)
• 5015 W. Main St., Kalamazoo (at the corner of W. Main and Drake)
• 29508 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak (between 12 & 13 Mile Rds.)
• 300 E. Front St., Traverse City (opening Oct. 19)

Each Medicare Information Center is open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday – Friday. No appointments are necessary. Individuals can pick up information packets on the various plans, request a free copy of the book Medicare Advantage for Dummies (which provides tools and resources individuals need to understand Medicare) or attend an informational meeting that will describe available Medicare plans and answer questions.

The Medicare Information Centers will help with:

• Comparing the benefits of Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medigap (Medicare Supplement insurance) plans
• Understanding the differences between Medicare Part A, B, C and D
• Choosing prescription coverage options
• Exploring the Medicare Advantage, Medigap and prescription drug plans available from Priority Health

Taking the mystery out of Medicare
"We're here to help those eligible for Medicare make good choices when it comes to their coverage. Whether it's answering general questions about Medicare or explaining the complexities of the prescription drug 'donut hole,' we’re committed to making life easier for those eligible for Medicare," said Budden.

In addition to meetings held at the Medicare Information Centers, sessions will be offered in Big Rapids, Cadillac, Holland, Jackson, Farmington Hills, Auburn Hills, Brighton, Muskegon and many other communities throughout the state. Individuals interested in attending a meeting should watch their local newspaper for locations and times, or visit prioritymedicare.com/meetings.

For more information, call toll-free 888 389-6676, visit a Priority Health Medicare Information Center, contact your local Priority Health agent or visit prioritymedicare.com.

About Priority Health
Priority Health is a nationally recognized health benefits company based in Michigan. It serves 500,000 members with a broad portfolio of products, including commercial and government health plans. A nonprofit dedicated to providing all people access to affordable health care, Priority Health continues to be recognized as one of America’s Best Health Plans by U.S. News & World Report and NCQA. Priority Health employs 900 people throughout Michigan’s Lower Peninsula with offices in Grand Rapids, Farmington Hills, Holland, Jackson, Kalamazoo and Traverse City.