Priority Health expands into Medigap in 2010

New alternative available to all Michigan residents

(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – October 6, 2009)  Priority Health announced today it will provide Medigap (Medicare Supplement insurance) plans in 2010. The new plans, which are available to all Michigan residents, are designed to fill the gaps in medical expenses that Original Medicare Part A and Part B don’t cover.

"At a time when other health care plans are reducing their plan choices, we’re proud to offer several new Medigap plans for Michigan residents," said Leon Lamoreaux, vice president of Government Programs for Priority Health. "These Medigap plans offer the same level of quality and service as our Medicare Advantage plans, which were the only plans in the state to receive 5-star quality ratings in 2008, and again received a 5-star rating in 2009, the only years the ratings have been issued."

Priority Health Medigap plans protect members from large medical bills with reliable, easy-to-understand coverage.

Individuals who participate in "Original Medicare" are covered for many hospital and medical expenses. But the deductibles, copays and coinsurance can add up. To avoid paying for costly "gaps" in Original Medicare, many are turning to Medigap plans to help with expenses.

Medicare-eligible individuals may enroll in a Medigap plan at any time.

Learning more about Medicare plans
Individuals who want to learn more about Priority Health Medigap plans or Medicare Advantage plans have several options:

• Visit the prioritymedicare.com website.
• Stop by one of four Priority Health Medicare Information Centers, which are open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday. They are located at:
  • 1239 East Beltline NE, Grand Rapids (on the Priority Health campus)
  • 5015 W. Main St., Kalamazoo
  • 29508 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak
  • 300 E. Front St., Traverse City (opening October 19)
• Attend an information meeting. Meetings will be scheduled at locations throughout Michigan this fall. Watch local newspapers for details.
• Call Priority Health toll-free at 800 852-9780 for information or to request a free copy of the book Medicare Advantage for Dummies, which includes tools and resources to help readers understand Medicare.
• Contact your local Priority Health agent.

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.