TexanPlus HMO provides affordable access to cholesterol-lowering prescription drugs

TexanPlus HMO powered by CCRx, a Medicare Advantage plan offered through the Universal American's family of healthcare companies, will provide broad and affordable access to LIPITOR and CRESTOR, two popular cholesterol-lowering prescription drugs. Effective January 1, 2011, people with Medicare and members of TexanPlus HMO can purchase these popular drugs for low or no monthly copayments, saving an estimated $230 to $300 per year. In addition, they will be able to fill these prescriptions at the company's nationwide network of 64,000 pharmacies, including independent pharmacies, regional chain stores, and major retail drug chains.

“However, diet and exercise alone may not be enough to lower cholesterol. Drug therapy like statins, help reduce the amount of bad cholesterol and ultimately lower the incidence of stroke or heart attack.13”

"Heart disease kills nearly 2,300 Americans each day," said Ted Carpenter, President of Universal American's Medicare Advantage business. "Many older Americans live on a fixed income. By offering LIPITOR and CRESTOR for low or no copay, we're making these popular cholesterol-lowering drugs more affordable so they can better manage their health."

Why These Medications?

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death for people over the age of 75, and high cholesterol plays a major role in developing this disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in every six adults have high cholesterol. Over 33.5 million older Americans currently take a statin drug or should be taking one making it the most prescribed drug class in the U.S., with LIPITOR and CRESTOR being two of the most popular brands.

"If you have high cholesterol, eating a low-fat, low-sodium diet and getting at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise is important," said Nelson Fernandez, M.D., Senior Medical Director for TexanPlus HMO. "However, diet and exercise alone may not be enough to lower cholesterol. Drug therapy like statins, help reduce the amount of bad cholesterol and ultimately lower the incidence of stroke or heart attack"

TexanPlus HMO is committed to A Healthy Collaboration^SM, a pledge it shares with physicians, pharmacists and other healthcare providers to work together to improve members' health. It means encouraging members to see their doctors and fill their prescriptions regularly because it will help them prevent illness and manage disease, as well as drive down costs so they can save money and stay healthy. Joining with Pfizer and AstraZeneca (makers of LIPITOR and CRESTOR, respectively) to make these two drugs more affordable is another example of how TexanPlus HMO is making it easier for those with Medicare, including seniors and people with disabilities, to improve and protect their health.

TexanPlus HMO provides medical and hospital coverage, preventive care and the option to add prescription drug coverage "powered by CCRx." The Medicare Advantage HMO also offers additional benefits, like extra days in the hospital, dental and vision care.

Members of Community CCRx, a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, and all members of Universal American's Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MA-PD) plans can purchase these two cholesterol-lowering drugs for no to low monthly copayments.

As healthcare evolves, people with Medicare will have questions about their health coverage. Universal American is listening to these concerns and providing innovative approaches that bring members more options that control their healthcare costs. For more information about TexanPlus HMO, Community CCRx, and Universal American visit www.UniversalAmerican.com.