New Medicare choice for Southeast Alabama

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Oct. 23, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- VIVA MEDICARE is expanding into Houston, Henry, Geneva and Dale counties for 2019.  VIVA MEDICARE's entry into the area provides Medicare recipients in Southeast Alabama the opportunity to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that has earned the highest customer satisfaction survey score in the state for the past nine years, as noted by the Medicare & You Handbooks, 2011-2019.  In addition, VIVA MEDICARE has scored 4 out of 5 stars for 2019 from Medicare on its quality performance.

"Quality and customer service are VIVA MEDICARE's signature strengths," said Brad Rollow, VIVA's CEO.  "We are an Alabama-based company that takes personal pride in delivering the best coverage possible to our friends, neighbors and families.  We are honored to bring VIVA MEDICARE to the Dothan area."

Medicare's annual enrollment period begins Oct. 15 and lasts until Dec. 7.  This enrollment period is the primary opportunity Medicare recipients have each year to choose a new health plan — either switching from traditional Medicare to a private Medicare Advantage plan, changing from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or adding or changing prescription drug coverage.

Medicare Advantage plans like VIVA MEDICARE cover all the benefits of traditional Medicare, typically offer additional benefits, and usually include prescription drug coverage.  Unlike traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans cap the amount of yearly out-of-pocket costs members pay for medical care, and most charge set copays for doctor's visits and hospital stays.

VIVA MEDICARE is offering four different Medicare Advantage plans in Southeast Alabama in 2019, with and without prescription drug coverage, as well as a special needs plan for members who have both Medicare and Medicaid coverage.  All of the 2019 plans offer free primary care visits as well as extra benefits beyond traditional Medicare for dental, vision, over-the-counter items, and fitness center membership.  Several of the plan choices do not have a monthly premium above the Medicare Part B premium, meaning members do not pay anything more than they would for traditional Medicare while they enjoy the extra benefits and value from the plan, including prescription drug coverage at no additional charge.

The VIVA MEDICARE network includes 60 hospitals and more than 8,000 doctors and other providers across Alabama as well as worldwide emergency coverage.  VIVA MEDICARE has contracts with all acute care hospitals in Dothan and the surrounding counties. 

Medicare recipients should visit www.medicare.gov to review their coverage choices for next year.  The website shows the health plan choices by zip code, the health plans' Medicare quality ratings and their monthly premiums, copayments, deductibles, and the network of hospitals, doctors and other providers from whom a member can seek care.  Plans change every year, so even Medicare recipients happy with their current coverage should study the 2019 choices.

VIVA MEDICARE is hosting informational group meetings at the following locations in the Dothan area for anyone interested.

In addition, VIVA MEDICARE is taking calls at 1-888-830-8482 (toll free) 7 days a week, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (April 1 – September 30:  Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.).  TTY users call 711.  You may enroll over the phone, online or request an individual appointment with an agent.   

About VIVA HEALTH:
Founded in 1995, VIVA HEALTH has a contract with the federal government to offer Medicare Advantage plans in 31 counties in Alabama and is licensed by the state to offer employer-sponsored coverage in 62 counties.  Part of the UAB Health System, VIVA HEALTH has more than 47,000 VIVA MEDICARE members and provides or administers health benefits to more than 55,000 members in employer group health plans.  VIVA MEDICARE has earned the top customer satisfaction survey score in the state for the past nine years in the Medicare & You handbook.  VIVA HEALTH is headquartered in Birmingham, and customer service questions are answered by employees in Alabama. 

H0154_mcdoc2174A_M_10/16/2018

Contact: Anna Velasco – 205-558-7641 for photos or an interview with a VIVA MEDICARE representative

SOURCE VIVA MEDICARE

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