Group Health Drops Medicare Rates by As Much As 77 Percent

SEATTLE — Group Health has significantly reduced premium rates for its Medicare Advantage members. The new rates go into effect Jan. 1, 2010.

"Group Health is able to lower premiums as a result of several converging factors including favorable projected cost trends and benefit changes to the plans," said Pam MacEwan, executive vice president for public affairs and governance.

Group Health currently offers four Medicare Advantage HMO plans, called Clear Care, in the 13 Western and Eastern Washington counties mainly served by Group Health medical centers. Starting Jan. 1, 2010, it is adding a fifth Clear Care HMO plan. Two of the HMO plans will have $17 monthly premiums.

"We are very excited about being able to reduce our Medicare plan premium payments, one by as much as 77 percent, or $58 a month," MacEwan said. "Our strategic direction is to provide affordable excellence to all our members. These lower rates will attract thousands of new patients."

Group Health has served Medicare patients for more than 30 years — longer than any other health plan in Washington State. Thirty percent of the state's Medicare Advantage enrollees receive their care through Group Health — more Medicare patients than any other health plan in the state.

"Our coordinated approach to care and our focus on prevention make us well-suited for meeting the healthy aging and chronic care needs of seniors," MacEwan said.

Also in January, Group Health will offer two new Clear Care PPO (preferred provider organization) plans in Benton, Franklin, and Yakima counties in Central Washington, and in the eastern parts of Clallam and Jefferson counties on the Kitsap Peninsula.

"We look forward to serving our state's growing number of retirees," MacEwan said. "We have a long tradition of seniors being actively involved in our governance. We know that the Baby Boomers are savvy about their health and their health care, and we know from experience that we can give them the care that they both need and want, for a very affordable price."

For more information, see Medicare Advantage Plans or call 1-800-446-8882, ext. 100.

Marking its 62nd year, Group Health Cooperative is an innovative, consumer-governed, nonprofit health care system that integrates care and coverage. Along with its subsidiary carriers, Group Health Options, Inc. and KPS Health Plans, Group Health works to improve the health of more than 612,000 plan members in Washington and Idaho.

More than 9,000 staff employed by Group Health and Group Health Permanente, its contracted, multispecialty group practice, provide patient-centered, evidence-based care to members and the broader community through medical centers, a charitable foundation, and a nationally recognized research center.