UPMC for Life offers Medicare plan created by military veterans for military veterans

Pittsburgh (Oct. 3, 2023) – UPMC for Life today announced that Pennsylvania veterans have more choices for affordable health coverage with its UPMC for Life PPO Salute Medicare Advantage plan, which—unlike most Medicare Advantage (MA) plans—works seamlessly with the U.S. military’s TRICARE FOR LIFE and CHAMPVA coverages.ith a 4.5 out of 5 in NCQA's Medicaid Health Plan Ratings for 2023, an increase from 4 out of 5 in prior years.

"Medicare-eligible veterans should have access to high-quality, affordable coverage options that work smoothly with existing TRICARE and CHAMPVA coverage. These options have not been readily available until now," said Angela Perri, Chief Medicare Officer for UPMC Health Plan. "Our PPO Salute Plan combines the best of TRICARE For Life's coverage and UPMC for Life's affordable plans with health-driven supplemental benefits, including vision, dental, and behavioral health care. We have now leveled the playing field for veterans seeking affordable access to health care and supplemental services that meet their unique needs."

Military-issued retirement benefits for Medicare-eligible retirees include TRICARE For Life or CHAMPVA. TRICARE For Life and CHAMPVA provide robust prescription drug coverage. UPMC for Life plans offer benefits that TRICARE For Life, CHAMPVA, and traditional Medicare do not, including vision, dental, and behavioral health coverage as well as caregiver supports.

The UPMC for Life PPO Salute plan builds upon existing military retirement benefits to better serve retired military members with $0 in monthly premiums and $75 per month ($900 annually) back in their Social Security check. It also provides access to a large network of providers, as members on this PPO plan can choose to use any provider that accepts Medicare in the U.S. The PPO Salute Plan supports healthier living with the UPMC for Life Flex Spend Card that provides $600 a year to members to spend on over the counter (OTC) products, medical service costs, dental, vision, and hearing services.

As with all other UPMC for Life plans, UPMC for Life PPO Salute members have the additional support of a dedicated health care concierge team, which provides customized services, including medical appointment scheduling, assistance with digital health tool resources, and resolving coverage questions and concerns.

"UPMC for Life PPO Salute is a huge value across the board. It provides more benefits and supports at a lower cost, and helps veterans members remain active and healthy," said Perri.

For more information, visit our UPMC for Life Veterans Resources page.

Out-of-network/Non-contracted providers are under no obligation to treat Plan members, except in emergency situations. Please call our customer service number or see your Evidence of Coverage for more information, including the cost-sharing that applies to out-of-network services.

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.

H5533_241320_M

###

About UPMC Insurance Services

UPMC Insurance Services serves nearly 4.5 million members and is owned and operated by UPMC, a world-renowned health care provider and insurer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. UPMC Insurance Services 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.