Fallon Community Health Plan Medicare Advantage plan now offered in Hampden County

#1 Medicare Advantage plan in America offering plans with premiums as low as $0

Worcester, Mass., October 1, 2008—In response to a growing senior market, Fallon Community Health Plan (FCHP) announced today that it will now offer Medicare Advantage health plan choices through Fallon Senior Plan™ in all of Hampden County, effective January 1, 2009.

The Fallon Senior Plan Medicare HMO now includes more than 45 independent providers in Hampden County, in addition to those affiliated with Hampden County Physician Associates, and Mercy Hospital, as well as some providers with privileges at Noble Hospital and Holyoke Medical Center, and the number continues to grow .

“Fallon Senior Plan has become a leader in providing health care to people with Medicare for more than 25 years, and we are looking forward to welcoming all Hampden County residents,” said Eric H. Schultz, President and CEO, FCHP. “We have long supported the superior care and outstanding services provided by community-based doctors and hospitals, and we are pleased and proud these providers have agreed to partner with us.”

“Hampden County Physician Associates and affiliated participating physicians are excited to begin providing care to Fallon Senior Plan members,” said Bob Suchecki, Chief Executive Officer, Hampden County Physician Associates. “Through our relationship with Fallon Community Health Plan, we are able to offer our high quality services to members of yet another Medicare Advantage plan that patients have come to know and trust.”

FCHP today also announced the Fallon Senior Plan premiums for 2009. For the fourth year in a row, FCHP will be offering plans with premiums as low as $0.

Medicare beneficiaries who choose Fallon Senior Plan will continue to receive more benefits than traditional Medicare, including Weight Watchers^®, the SilverSneakers^® Fitness Program, health and wellness education, dental care and chiropractic services, and discounts on acupuncture and massage.

Beginning in 2009, Fallon Senior Plan HMO will introduce a new U.S. Travel Benefit, which provides the opportunity for members to receive care from a provider who accepts Medicare while traveling. The benefit does not require referrals or authorizations for certain routine services, such as diagnostic tests, X-rays, lab services and doctor visits, and members are responsible for any applicable copayments. Members can utilize the benefit when they are traveling within the continental United States, Alaska and Hawaii, however, the benefit cannot be utilized in New England, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.

Of the nine health plans below, six will provide Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. Basic Rx provides members with standard Medicare prescription drug coverage, while Enhanced Rx provides the same coverage as Basic Rx, but without an upfront deductible.

Fallon Senior Plan in 2009

In 2007, Fallon Senior Plan was named the number one Medicare Advantage plan in the nation in a joint ranking by U.S.News & World Report and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), which demonstrates FCHP’s continued effort to ensure members receive the highest level of care and service.

Fallon Senior Plan also will continue to be a valued option for employers who want to offer health insurance coverage to their retirees.

“At FCHP, we have a rich history of providing health coverage to meet the needs of everyone in our community and are pleased to offer a new option to those who are Medicare-eligible in Hampden County,” said Schultz. “In addition, we also have many different plan designs to choose from and I encourage everyone to learn more about the number one Medicare Advantage plan in America.”

Medicare beneficiaries who would like more information about all Fallon Senior Plan choices are invited to call 1-888-377-1980 or e-mail seniorplan@fchp.org.

Lauren M. Petit
lauren.petit@fchp.org

About FCHP
Founded in 1977, Fallon Community Health Plan provides health care services designed to meet the unique and changing needs of all we serve. FCHP is the only health plan in Massachusetts that is both an insurer and provider of care. Our product portfolio includes a variety of group and individual health plan options (HMO, POS, PPO, Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans) featuring flexible and innovative benefit designs. We administer fully-insured and self-insured funding arrangements with customized services for employers. Our uniquely developed provider networks offer high-quality, cost-effective, coordinated care and give our members access to doctors and hospitals throughout Massachusetts. We also offer a broad spectrum of services and programs to ensure our members, at every stage of life, remain as healthy and productive as possible. FCHP is a provider of care through its Summit ElderCare® program, an advanced and completely integrated program that offers seniors and their caregivers an alternative to nursing home placement. Our continued commitment to deliver high-quality health care and exceptional customer service has earned FCHP consistent ratings as one of the nation’s top health plans, and in 2007, placed our Medicare and Medicaid health plans as the best in the nation. FCHP is the only health plan in Massachusetts to have been awarded “Excellent” Accreditation by the National Committee for Quality Assurance for our HMO, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid products.

NCQA is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health care quality.

“America’s Best Health Plans” is a trademark of U.S.News & World Report.

Weight Watchers^® is a registered trademark of Weight Watchers International Inc.

SilverSneakers^® is a registered trademark of HealthCare Dimensions, Inc.