Care Improvement Plus Launches 2009 Benefits in South Carolina
October 27, 2008
Special Needs Plan focuses on added benefits to improve care and quality of life for Medicare beneficiaries
COLUMBIA, SC – October 27, 2008 – In preparation for the upcoming Medicare annual enrollment period which begins November 15th, Care Improvement Plus today announced the launch of its 2009 Special Needs Plan (SNP) offerings for chronically ill Medicare beneficiaries in South Carolina, including new enhancements to added benefits and care management services to help members better manage their health.
For 2009, we are continuing to focus on providing specialized benefits that go beyond what many Medicare plans offer, aimed at improving quality of care and controlling healthcare costs, said Frederick C. Dunlap, board chairman and chief executive officer of XLHealth, which owns and operates Care Improvement Plus. Beneficiaries with conditions such as diabetes and heart failure have significantly different healthcare needs, which is why Care Improvement Plus such an important option for beneficiaries with chronic illnesses in South Carolina to consider.
Approximately 160,000 Medicare beneficiaries in South Carolina are eligible to join Care Improvement Plus, which focuses exclusively on beneficiaries diagnosed with diabetes, heart failure, end stage renal disease (ESRD) and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The plan is currently the largest chronic condition special needs plan in the state, with more than 19,000 members.
Care Improvement Plus members receive coverage that offers all the advantages of Original Medicare, with additional benefits and care management services, including:
— Comprehensive Part D coverage including options offering select disease
state and generic prescriptions at $0 copay for the life of the
benefit, including through coverage gap.
— An open access provider network where members may go to any Medicare-
approved provider that will accept payment from Care Improvement Plus.
— Vision care benefits
— Preventive dental coverage, including denture benefits
— Transportation services for medical appointments
— Podiatry benefits with $0 copayments for up to six routine visits a
year
— Care management services tailored to each member’s needs with nursing
support, health education, and tools to help monitor and manage health.
Care Improvement Plus will open enrollment on November 15, 2008 for services effective January 1, 2009. Those interested in learning more about Care Improvement Plus 2009 plan offerings may call 1-866-766-8698, or visit www.careimprovementplus.com for more information.
About Care Improvement Plus
Care Improvement Plus (http://www.careimprovementplus.com/), a special needs health plan that focuses on the unique healthcare needs of chronically ill Medicare beneficiaries, provides Medicare Advantage health plan coverage, along with a tailored Medicare Part D drug benefit and care management services, to Medicare beneficiaries living with heart failure, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or end-stage renal disease. Care Improvement Plus also provides a variety of services designed to support physicians’ efforts to care for their chronically ill patients.
