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Michigan-based businesses partner to increase Dental Coverage Access for Medicare beneficiaries
DETROIT, Feb. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Recognizing the value of oral health to overall health, Detroit-based Health Alliance Plan (HAP), in partnership with Delta Dental of Michigan, successfully launched a dental coverage option for the region's eligible Medicare beneficiaries. To date, more than 1,600 Medicare beneficiaries have enrolled in one of HAP's 2008 Medicare Advantage products with the Delta Dental benefit. HAP formed the partnership with Delta Dental as a result of customer feedback indicating that members would like to have access to medical, prescription and dental benefits under a single Medicare plan. "We are pleased to partner with Delta Dental--the state's leader in dental benefits--to deliver high-quality care, reduce out-of-pocket costs and provide financial protection against unexpected dental expenses for Medicare beneficiaries," said Karen Wintringham, Vice President, Medicare and Public Sector Programs." Beneficiaries who enroll in HAP Senior Plus HMO or Alliance Medicare PPO plans can add coverage for dental services, including x-rays, oral surgery, fillings, crowns and routine cleanings. An additional premium for the dental option starts as low as $22.20 per month. HAP has set up a seamless billing and payment system so members only have to submit one monthly payment to HAP for medical, prescription and dental benefits. Under the Delta Dental plan, enrollees can use any dentist, but receive additional savings by visiting dentists who participate with the Delta Dental PPO network, among the largest in the state and nation. Customer service is supported by experienced staff within each organization. "We appreciate the opportunity to work with HAP to bring dental coverage to Michigan's Medicare beneficiaries," said Charles D. Floyd, Executive Vice President of Sales, Actuarial, and Underwriting for Delta Dental. "HAP and Delta Dental are committed to helping seniors take good care of their total health." HAP has more than 28,200 Medicare Advantage members, with over 22,800 in the HAP Senior Plus HMO; 1,600 in the Alliance Medicare PPO; and 3,700 in the Alliance Medicare Rx prescription drug plan. IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION FOR MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES: The Open Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage runs from January 1 through March 31. During this period, anyone with Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan can switch plans once. Any switch made during the Open Enrollment Period generally will be effective on the first day of the month following the date the plan receives your request. Enrollees must sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan (HMO or PPO) to be eligible for the dental coverage option. These members will receive the fitness benefit at no charge and can elect to enroll in the dental plan throughout this Period. For more information about the Open Enrollment Period, HAP's Medicare Advantage Plans and the optional dental and fitness benefits, call 1-800-868-3153. About HAP Headquartered in Detroit, Health Alliance Plan is a nonprofit health plan serving 540,000 members and 2,000 employer groups. HAP is a subsidiary of the Henry Ford Health System, one of the nation's leading regional health care systems. HAP Senior Plus and Alliance Medicare PPO are Medicare-approved health plans. Alliance Medicare PPO is a product of Alliance Health and Life Insurance Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of HAP. The National Committee for Quality Assurance awarded HAP's commercial HMO and HAP Senior Plus, its Medicare Advantage HMO, Excellent Accreditation. About Delta Dental of Michigan Delta Dental of Michigan, with affiliates in Ohio, Indiana, and Tennessee, is one of the largest dental plan administrators in the nation. Offices are located in Okemos and Farmington Hills, Michigan; Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio; Indianapolis and Greenwood, Indiana; and, Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis, Tennessee. Delta Dental plans are members of the Delta Dental Plans Association, a nationwide system of independently operated dental health service plans. Together, the plans cover more than 50 million Americans and operate the nation's largest network of participating dentists. The purpose of Delta Dental is to advance and promote the improvement of oral health by offering innovative, cost-effective coverage that meets the needs of customers and enrollees. Source: Health Alliance Plan
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