Cost-effective alternative to original Medicare or Medicare supplement plan for Syracuse-area residents

At a time when many people with Medicare in Syracuse are increasingly concerned about finding affordable health insurance, they now have a new Medicare Advantage option for 2010.

Today's Options® Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Medicare Advantage plan provides a cost-effective and comprehensive alternative to Original Medicare or a Medicare supplement plan. People with Medicare can choose to sign up for this new plan during the Annual Election Period that runs from November 15 through December 31.

"As important as it is, especially if you're on a fixed income, affordability is only part of the story," said Mary Lee Campbell-Wisley, Vice President and General Manager of New York for Universal American, which offers Today's Options® PPO plan through its family of companies. "You also need a plan that not only treats you when you're sick, but also helps you stay active and healthy."

A special feature of Today's Options® PPO plan is the promise to deliver A Healthy Collaboration (SM), a partnership between the member, physician, pharmacist and health plan that takes a coordinated approach to each member's healthcare needs.

"It can be stressful to try and coordinate your healthcare all by yourself," Campbell-Wisley said. "Many people tell me they would love the peace of mind of being able to call just one person who would keep track of their care -- like their family doctor did in years past."

This desire for personal healthcare "the way people remember it" is central to Today's Options® PPO. Members know just whom to call if they have any questions about their health and healthcare.

While people with a Medicare Advantage plan appreciate having someone to coordinate their care, they also appreciate having alternatives. With Today's Options® PPO, individuals can select a plan with the innovative option to go out-of-network to seek treatment. Members may pay higher copays and coinsurance if they choose a doctor or hospital outside the Today's Options® PPO network.

Today's Options® PPO plans provide comprehensive medical coverage and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug benefits. All plans also come with an annual out-of-pocket maximum that gives members protection from catastrophic medical costs. As part of Today's Options® PPO, Universal American also makes available a variety of services that focus on prevention and disease management. These include preventative services, a 24/7 Health Hotline, care coordination and an in-person Medication Therapy Management (MTM) program.

"Universal American and its family of companies stand committed to people with Medicare, and we are continually improving our product offerings to evolve and grow as healthcare continues to change," said Campbell-Wisley.

The company's plans provide healthcare coverage for more than two million members across the nation.