New Medicare Advantage Plans from Medica features OSF providers

Medicare Beneficiaries in the Peoria-Bloomington area will have a new option for health care coverage for 2024.  OSF HealthCare, a Peoria-based integrated health system committed to delivering exceptional care, and Medica, a leading non-profit health plan system that serves members in 12 states, have collaborated to launch Medicare Advantage plans.

Medica affiliate Medica Central Health Plan (Medica) currently offers Medicare Advantage and individual plans on and off the Exchange in Illinois in two counties in the St. Louis area.

The OSF Medica Advantage plans will be available for selection during Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 through December 7, 2023. Medicare-eligible residents in De Witt, Marshall, McLean, Peoria, Stark, Tazewell and Woodford counties can enroll in the plans.

People eligible for Medicare in these counties will have access to high-quality, affordable health care through a comprehensive network of physicians, hospitals, outpatient settings and innovative virtual care services featuring OSF HealthCare, delivering a better member and patient experience.

“The collaboration between OSF HealthCare and Medica stems from a shared desire to improve the health and well-being of our local communities,” said Ralph Velazquez, MD, Chief Medical Officer, OSF HealthCare. “OSF and Medica will combine patient-centered, localized care with a member-focused, community-based health plan, reflecting our mission and commitment to the communities we’ve been called to serve.”

The OSF Medica Advantage plans will address several pressing concerns many community members have about care and coverage, including innovative digital care services through OSF OnCall to meet patients where they are with the care they need. Plans will keep costs down for medical and dental services to help members keep money in their pockets, as well as reduce pharmacy costs and prescription drug costs for chronic conditions.

For example, primary care doctor visits are $0 copay, virtual urgent care is $0 copay, and outpatient mental health is $0 copay for most plans. OSF with Medica Advantage plans with Part D coverage feature $0 copays for preferred generic versions of medications at preferred pharmacies and $0 copays for 100-day fills for all generic medications.

Plans with Part D coverage also offer insulin fills below the Medicare required rate: just $30 for covered insulins at preferred pharmacies from Day 1 through the Medicare Part D coverage gap – often referred to as the “donut hole,” where Medicare beneficiaries are responsible for a higher portion of drug costs. The plans also include quarterly allowances from $30 to $65 for over-the-counter items, such as aspirin/pain relievers, allergy and cough medications, digestive aids, and ear and eye drops.

“We listened to Medicare beneficiaries in the Bloomington-Peoria area who are struggling with the cost of health care and have created an affordable health plan that provides benefits that help them meet their needs,” said Dave Docherty, Market Leader for Medica in Illinois. “We’re committed to fulfilling our mission of being a trusted health plan partner and have come together with OSF HealthCare to give Medicare beneficiaries more affordable options and better access to high-quality health care services in the community.”

For more information, visit medica.com.