New Enhanced Drug Benefit Covers Beneficiaries
through the Prescription Drug Coverage Gap

DETROIT—September 25, 2006—Health Alliance Plan (HAP) will offer Medicare-eligible individuals more choice and flexibility with its 2007 Medicare Advantage plans. The Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans offer beneficiaries all of the services they need – medical benefits, preventive services, optional drug coverage and worldwide emergency coverage – in one plan. Marketing activities begin Oct. 1 for the fall open enrollment period that begins Nov. 15.

“Medicare Advantage plans really simplify things for seniors and other beneficiaries. Members get their medical coverage and Part D prescription drug benefit in one easy to use plan, with one ID card,” said Patricia Richards, HAP Chief Operating Officer. “Experience matters... HAP is the only local company with a 20-year track record of Medicare participation. Our knowledgeable customer service representatives are right here in Detroit, and can accurately answer questions from beneficiaries and their families.”

HAP received approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to offer the following plans for 2007:

HAP Senior Plus - HMO plan available to residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Members who choose this plan will obtain their medical services through Henry Ford Health System doctors and hospitals.

HAP Senior Plus Expanded Network – HMO plan available to residents of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Lapeer, Livingston, Washtenaw, St. Clair and Genesee counties. This plan offers an extensive list of the leading area physicians, hospitals and other health care professionals. In this plan, seniors choose a personal care physician who will coordinate their medical care.

Alliance Medicare PPO Plan – PPO plan for residents of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Lapeer, Livingston, Washtenaw, St. Clair and Genesee counties. PPO members can receive their care from any physician with no referrals. Enrollees will save money when they stay in the PPO network.

New in 2007: Alliance Medicare PPO Value Plan – Same benefits as our original PPO plan, but with lower monthly premiums made possible by an up-front deductible. This plan is for residents of Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Lapeer, Livingston, Washtenaw, St. Clair and Genesee counties.

With any HAP Medicare Advantage plan, beneficiaries can choose either basic Medicare Part D drug coverage or Enhanced Part D coverage – a new feature in 2007 – that covers generic drugs through the coverage gap, or “donut hole.” Or, seniors may decide to waive the Part D coverage.

Those who sign up during the Nov. 15 to Dec. 31, 2006 election period will have coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2007. Enrollees must have a permanent residence within the plan’s service area to be eligible. They must also be entitled to Medicare Part A and be enrolled in Part B.

“HAP’s plans offer more benefits than traditional Medicare, including low co-pays for doctor’s office visits, preventive care and chronic care services. Health and wellness programs and discounts at area fitness clubs also are available to all members,” said Richards. “We’re expanding our call center hours this fall to answer questions. Those who have health benefits from a former employer should ask their former company or union for advice before signing up for any plan.”

IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION FOR BENEFICIARIES
Now is the time for Medicare beneficiaries to review their current medical and prescription drug coverage.

Those who have health benefits from a former employer should ask their former company or union for advice before signing up for any plan.

Information about 2007 Medicare plans becomes available Oct. 1, 2006.

Call (800) MEDICARE or visit www.Medicare.gov to compare plans.

The government will mail the Medicare & You 2007 handbook to homes this fall.

Beneficiaries can enroll in a new plan beginning November 15, 2006. The annual election period ends December 31, 2006. Coverage will begin January 1, 2007.

For general information about HAP’s Medicare Advantage plans, visit www.hap.org or call (248) 443-1000.

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Contacts:
Susan Schwandt, APR
HAP Public Relations Director
Mobile: 313-505-3937
Office: 248-443-1076
sschwan1@hap.org

Liz Manasse
HAP Public Relations Coordinator
Office: 248-443-1072
Mobile: 586-260-7697
emanasse@hap.org