October 1, 2022

Our RedShirts^SM are ready to provide assistance and expertise during this year’s Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7

With the start of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period just two weeks away, Independent Health’s RedShirts^SM are ready to help Western New Yorkers choose the Medicare plan that’s right for them. This year’s Medicare Annual Enrollment Period will run from October 15 to December 7. During this timeframe, Medicare beneficiaries will be able to review and select their medical and prescription drug plan options for the 2023 calendar year.

“As the largest Medicare Advantage plan in Western New York, Independent Health is committed to bringing our members the benefits they need and the personalized attention they deserve,” said Cathy Aquino, Vice President of Sales, Medicare, Consumer and Small Business Markets, Independent Health. “If you are currently eligible for Medicare, it’s important to understand all of your plan options this time of year. With Independent Health, you can count on our locally-based team of RedShirts to provide you with best-in-class service, support and expertise, not only during the annual enrollment period but throughout the entire year.”

Meet one-on-one with a RedShirt

Before choosing a Medicare plan for 2023, Western New Yorkers are invited to stop by an Independent Health Medicare Information Center* to receive a personalized RedShirt® Benefit Review. Our friendly and knowledgeable RedShirts are ready to meet one-on-one with both Independent Health members and non-members to help them find the plan that will best meet their individual needs. Although not required, appointments are encouraged.

Independent Health has five conveniently-located Medicare Information Centers that are open year-round in Cheektowaga/Depew, Jamestown/Lakewood, Orchard Park, Tonawanda and Williamsville. Plus, now through December 7, our RedShirts are available at walk-in locations in Dunkirk, Lockport, Niagara Falls and Olean, as well as two sites in the City of Buffalo (Buffalo Museum of Science and William Emslie Family YMCA).

In addition to in-person meetings, our team of experts also can conduct RedShirt Benefit Reviews by phone or video chat. Everyone who completes a review will receive a free RedShirt® Health Kit while supplies last.

“Understanding Medicare can sometimes be complicated, and there are often different factors one must consider before enrolling in a plan,” said Aquino. “By offering a personalized RedShirt Benefit Review, we can show people how to get the most out of their plan benefits and answer any Medicare-related questions they may have.”

Consistent plan premiums and innovative benefits

For 2023, Independent Health will continue to offer a variety of Medicare Advantage plans that are designed to meet our members’ specific needs. We will once again provide three $0 premium plans, while the monthly premiums for all of our other plans will remain unchanged and be the same as they are this year. This means our members will have one less thing to worry about during these challenging economic times.

Our Medicare Advantage plans will also feature many unique benefits that are designed to help our members get and stay healthy all year long. For example, our popular Premier Wellness Package will provide a variety of $0 benefits, including:

• $0 routine and preventive dental with an enhanced network through Liberty Dental**
• $0 routine eye exam
• $0 SilverSneakers gym benefit***
• $0 copays for primary care physician visits**
• $0 preventive services**
• $0 Brook Personal Health Companion app for smartphones that helps members self-manage their overall health, as well as chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

In addition, new for 2023, eligible members**** will receive $0 Personal Emergency Response Service powered through ADT. This personal emergency response device will automatically contact the fire or police departments when you have had an accident or fallen in your home and need first aid.

“Along with the RedShirt® Treatment, our members can also expect to receive more of the same great coverage, value and stability they’ve become accustomed to over the years,” said Aquino. “If you are currently an Independent Health member and happy with the Medicare Advantage plan you are enrolled in, you don’t have to take any action. We will automatically renew you for 12 months. It’s just one of the ways we make Medicare easier for our members.”

For more information about Independent Health’s 2023 Medicare Advantage plan options and Medicare Information Centers, visit www.IndependentHealth.com/Medicare.

Independent Health is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract offering HMO, HMO-POS, HMO-SNP and PPO plans. Enrollment in Independent Health depends on contract renewal. Benefits vary by plan. This information is not a complete description of benefits. *A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodations of persons with special needs at sales meetings, please call (716) 635-4900 or 1-800-958-4405 (TTY users call 1-888-357-9167). **Must use network providers. Limitations may apply. ***SilverSneakers is a registered trademark of Tivity Health, Inc. ©2022 Tivity Health, Inc. All rights reserved. ****For our Edge, Element, Passport Advantage and Passport Prime plans, our Personal Emergency Response System benefit may be included as a part of a special supplemental program for the chronically ill. Not all members qualify.

Y0042_C8890_M 09282022