UPMC for Life offers Medicare Advantage plans tailored to meet the needs of veterans

Pittsburgh (Nov. 16, 2022) – UPMC Health Plan today reminds Pennsylvanians retired from the military that Medicare Open enrollment runs through Dec. 7. Veterans can select UPMC for Life Medicare Advantage (M.A.) offerings for 2023 tailored to meet the unique health care needs of retired military or US Armed Forces veterans.

"Recognizing that about eight percent of Pennsylvania's adult population are veterans, UPMC for Life has created several options that honor our military with plans that work with existing military benefits and provide additional supports reflecting the needs of our veterans," said Angela Perri, Chief Medicare Officer, UPMC Health Plan. "These plans were designed by retired military for retired military—so we are confident these plans serve the needs of those who served our country."

The new, $0 premium UPMC for Life PPO Salute (PPO) plan is designed specifically for retired military veterans who have TRICARE For Life (TFL). It offers members additional coverage beyond Original Medicare with $60 back per month in the member's Social Security check and extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing services. This plan does not include Part D prescription drug coverage.

UPMC for Life's HMO No Rx (HMO) plan also works well for veterans, especially those who have prescription drug coverage through the V.A. or have PACE/PACENET. This plan has a $0 monthly premium and gives members $25 back in their monthly Social Security check. It also offers dental, vision, and hearing services.

Both plans also include the new UPMC for Life Flex Spend Card. With this resource, members can spend additional allowance dollars on OTC products and dental, vision, and hearing services. Members can use the Flex Spend Card anytime during the plan benefit year.

These plans also include discounts on hearing aids through Amplifon, a new UPMC for Life vendor. This benefit can save members an average of $6,734 on hearing aids, depending upon device selection. Members can also take advantage of the free hearing exams and free hearing aid fittings covered under these MA plans.

Like all UPMC for Life members, veterans covered by these plans also receive award-winning Health Care Concierge service for questions related to Medicare or their coverage. The concierge team can help schedule doctor's appointments and connect members to other programs that can help manage complex medical care, understand treatment plans, and get support in the community. For the second year in a row, UPMC Health Plan was named a Grand Stevie Award winner for overall best Sales and Customer Service.

"UPMC for Life is pleased to offer Pennsylvania's veterans affordable access to health care that recognizes that many veterans have unique health care needs," said Perri. "We will continue to work closely with the veterans community to prioritize health coverage that serves those who served our country.”

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About UPMC Insurance Services

The UPMC Insurance Services Division serves more than 4 million members and is owned and operated by UPMC, a world-renowned health care provider and insurer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The UPMC Insurance Services Division provides commercial products through UPMC Health Plan for both groups and individuals. Its commercial products also include workers' compensation and employee assistance from nationally known Workpartners®. Government products include Medicare Advantage plans (UPMC for Life); special needs plans for those who are eligible for Medicare and Medical Assistance (UPMC for Life Complete Care and UPMC Community HealthChoices); a Medical Assistance plan (UPMC for You); and Children's Health Insurance Program plans (UPMC for Kids). Community Care Behavioral Health Organization—one of the nation's largest nonprofit managed care behavioral health organizations—is also part of the Insurance Services Division. Community Care offers a full range of services to commercial and Medical Assistance members. For more information, visit upmchealthplan.com.

UPMC for Life has a contract with Medicare to provide HMO, HMO SNP, and PPO plans. The HMO SNP plans have a contract with the PA State Medical Assistance program. Enrollment in UPMC for Life depends on contract renewal. UPMC for Life is a product of and operated by UPMC Health Plan Inc., UPMC Health Network Inc., UPMC Health Benefits Inc., and UPMC Health Coverage Inc.

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