KelseyCare Advantage's Prestigious 5-Star Rating Creates a Unique Opportunity for Consumers

HOUSTON, TX — (December 9, 2013) — Consumers who are eligible for Medicare coverage have a rare opportunity to sign up for the only 5-star Medicare Advantage health plan in Texas. Most Medicare beneficiaries must choose the Medicare plan they want during the open enrollment period from October 15 through December 7 and remain with that plan through the following calendar year. However, the 5-star special enrollment period, underway from now through November of 2014, provides Medicare beneficiaries with a unique opportunity to enroll in a 5-star plan.

KelseyCare Advantage is one of only 11 Medicare Advantage plans offering drug coverage to receive the 5-star rating for 2014. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) created the 5-star special enrollment period to encourage enrollment in the highest quality plans. CMS rates plans on a scale of one to five stars, with five representing the maximum for performance excellence. The ratings evaluate a plan on its effectiveness at keeping members healthy, managing chronic conditions, customer service and pharmacy benefits, as well as member satisfaction. Medicare compiles information from member satisfaction surveys, plans and health care providers to issue overall performance ratings to Medicare Advantage plans.

“The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services created the extended 5-star enrollment period to give all Medicare beneficiaries a one-time opportunity to enroll in a plan that offers the highest level of care and service,” said Marnie Matheny, president of KelseyCare Advantage.

“Whether a Medicare beneficiary is currently enrolled in a Medicare health plan or using traditional Medicare, now is the time to learn more about their options and consider enrolling in a 5-star plan,” added Matheny. “A 5-star overall rating is Medicare’s highest rating and validation that members enrolled in these plans are receiving the highest level of quality and service.”

“With healthcare quality and cost under increasing scrutiny these days, Medicare beneficiaries have many questions about their care and their insurance,” said KelseyCare Advantage Medical Director Donnie Aga, M.D. “Members enrolled in a 5-star plan are assured of high quality medical and prescription care and exceptional customer service.”

This special enrollment period may also be used to change from your current Medicare Advantage plan to a 5-star Medicare Advantage plan. If you’re in original Medicare, you may also enroll in a 5-star Medicare Advantage plan during this period.

Medicare beneficiaries may learn more about Medicare’s 5-star special enrollment period online at medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-Medicare. Plan performance summary star ratings are assessed by CMS each year and may change from one year to the next. Beneficiaries may also learn more about KelseyCare Advantage by calling 713-442-5646 or visiting kelseycareadvantage.com.