Seniors still have opportunity to enroll in Medicare programs

Fidelis Care, the New York State Catholic Health Plan, says that the window of opportunity is still open for senior citizens to enroll in its Medicare Advantage and Dual Advantage plans.

Fidelis Care's Medicare Advantage, Medicare Advantage Flex, Dual Advantage and Dual Advantage Flex programs feature zero-dollar monthly premiums and zero-dollar co-pays for primary doctor visits.

Members also see significant cost savings in their co-pays for network specialists and rehabilitation services, Fidelis announced. Benefits also feature flexible spending accounts that can be used for transportation and various health-related services that meet members' needs.

Choices

"Medicare-eligible seniors face an overwhelming number of choices, making the open enrollment process confusing and intimidating," said Keith Mason, Fidelis Care supervisor of Medicare sales.

"What makes Fidelis Care different is that our representatives will actually come to their homes, sit down and explain the options for making the best health care decisions that meet their needs.

"We'll assist them in looking at all the changes -- benefit changes, cost-sharing changes, provider network changes and drug formulary changes."

Highlights

Fidelis Medicare Advantage benefit highlights include:

* no monthly plan premiums (members must continue to pay their Medicare Part B premiums);

* no co-pays for visits to network primary care physicians;

* a flexible spending account (varying from $100 to $1,000) that members can use for an over-the-counter drug card, fitness club memberships, transportation or other services that meet their needs;

* lower co-pays for visits to network specialists and outpatient rehabilitation services (both now $10; down from $25 in 2007); and

* Medicare Part D coverage with no deductible and co-pays as low as $1 for generic drugs.

More programs

In addition to the Medicare Advantage and Dual Advantage programs, Fidelis Care also offers the Child Health Plus, Family Health Plus and Medicaid programs.

Fidelis serves more than 298,000 residents in 39 counties throughout New York state. Members have access to a provider network 30,000-plus healthcare professionals statewide.

(For more information on Fidelis Care Medicare Advantage, call 1-800-860-8707; TTY: 1-800-558-1125.)

(02/14/08) [[In-content Ad]]