Dentistry cover and dental Information about Dentist around the world Related Articles
WHEELING — As of 2021, WVU Medicine has grown its new health insurance services company, Peak Health. Now, after serving WVU Medicine employees, the organization is expanding its offerings to thousands of Medicare-eligible West Virginians.
West Virginia residents in 29 Medicare-eligible counties can now enroll in Peak Health’s Medicare Advantage plans. Open registrations will last until December 7.
Eligible counties in the Northern Panhandle include Ohio, Marshall and Wetzel. Residents in those counties can register.
WVU Medicine President and CEO Albert Wright, who also serves as Peak Health’s board chairman, said Peak Health’s goal is to create a seamless synergy between the health care provider and the insurance provider by bringing them all under an umbrella.
“There was a time when you had a phone in your house, you had a computer that you did Word Perfect on or your emails, and you had a camera that you took pictures with,” Wright said. “And then your smartphone came along and brought all those things together in an interoperable, interchangeable way that you never imagined, where your email and your photos and your music and your phone and your ability to communicate and sent those images to you. friends is more than you would ever imagine.
“Now we’re essentially taking what historically has been completely separate, which is the health care system and the insurance provider,” he continued, “and we’re going to bring them together like the iPhone brought those other things together.” .
And now that opportunity will be available to many more Medicare-eligible West Virginians. Peak Health President and CEO Ben Gerber said there are several advantages for those who qualify to enroll, the first being affordability and value for money.
Peak Advantage offers a zero premium plan and a plan that costs $18 per month. Gerber said the zero premium plan offers several benefits such as a flexible spending card, dental care, drug benefits and fitness benefits.
It is also a locally made plan, he added.
“I think it’s really important that the plan was created by West Virginia physicians and as a locally led plan, so we really understand the needs and concerns of West Virginians,” Gerber said.
Another advantage Gerber mentioned was a fully integrated experience for patients and members, which should reduce frustrations for both. Any member already using the WVU Medicine provider portal will be able to manage their health care plan in the same way.
“I think it’s extremely important that we take a holistic view,” Gerber said, “and, really, what seniors are looking for is a one-stop place where they can seem to meet all of their needs.
“I think it’s part of the simplification that you can meet almost all of your health needs through our plan, along with WVU Medicine, and the flexibility as well,” he continued. “Some other Medicare Advantage plans have things like dental and drug benefits. Almost no zero-premium plan has a $250 Flex Card. So that’s something we’re really excited about, the seniors’ ability , if things fall through the cracks, there’s a support for them to get them through the year.”
Wright and Gerber hope that within three to four years, Peak Health’s Medicare Advantage plan will expand to all 55 West Virginia counties. Any West Virginian eligible for Medicare in the 29 eligible counties can find more information or sign up for the plan at medicare.peakhealth.org or by calling 1-866-850-2603.
