Offers Medicare Advantage Plans in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Gateway HealthSM, based in Pittsburgh, has entered the Ohio market with its 2014 Medicare portfolio, including new zero- and low-premium Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans and a preferred-pharmacy network the company says will deliver cost-savings and value to Medicare consumers.

Gateway HealthSM this year is offering Medicare Advantage Plans in 23 Ohio counties, including Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull.

With more than 20 years of service, Gateway is expanding into the Ohio market with a proven record of excellent customer service and a dedication to providing customized service for Medicare beneficiaries, said Austin Ifedirah, vice president for Medicare and strategic planning.

“Health coverage can be very confusing, but Gateway takes the time to provide its customers with clear answers and clear choices,” Ifedirah said.

“We offer a better way through an array of customized Medicare coverage because everybody is different. We help people understand how to get the most out of Medicare,” he said.

Gateway offers six Medicare Advantage coverage options, including customized plans designed for people diagnosed with diabetes, cardiovascular disorder or chronic heart failure.

Benefit options include no co-pay for primary-care visits, tier-one prescription drugs, dental visits or routine eye exams (up to four a year).

Other benefits include a set of dentures every five years, no-cost health-club memberships and coverage for hearing aids. Some of Gateway’s Medicare plans have zero premiums, while the most-expensive plan has a monthly premium of less than $65, Gateway officials said.

The 2014 Gateway Health Medicare Advantage Plans portfolio includes:

Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans: Two plans for Medicare beneficiaries who also qualify for Medicaid or receive some assistance from the state.

Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans: Two plans for Medicare beneficiaries living with diabetes, cardiovascular disorder or chronic heart failure. There are no income requirements for these plans.

Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans: The plans are available only in Ohio and cover Medicare Part B and Medicare Part D prescription drugs.

“Gateway HealthSM looks forward ... to collaborating within the provider community and other stake holders to offer quality care for the senior population in Ohio,” Ifedirah said.