On the heels of earning national honors for its cost-sharing effectiveness and overall value to its members, Central Health Medicare Plan (Central Health) is announcing its expansion into five Northern California counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, San Joaquin, and Santa Clara starting in January 2023, announced Shawn Dewers, President of Bright HealthCare California, Central Health's parent company. Currently, Central Health serves members in the Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, and San Mateo counties.

For the third year in a row, Central Health has earned the Senior Choice Gold Award by HealthMetrix, a national independent managed care research firm. The honor recognizes Central Health for “bringing exceptional value” to its members compared to competing plans when the health status of its members combined with their presumed out-of-cost expenditures are taken into account. For instance, Central Health offers plans with $0 premiums and $0 generic drugs, Medicare Part B rebates of up to $1,500 per year in most counties it serves, $0 copays for select insulins, unlimited acupuncture, a healthy foods debit card for chronic conditions, vision/dental care, and Flex Cards that can be used to cover the costs of fitness classes/gym memberships, approved over-the-counter products and herbal supplements.

“We are delighted to announce our expansion into more Northern California markets where we will be able to introduce our award-winning plans and services to those who are Medicare eligible,” says Dewers. “Earning the highly coveted 2023 Senior Choice Gold Award for the third year in a row is indicative of the commitment we have towards our members, where their overall health and quality of life is our number one priority.”

Dewers believes that there are several factors that set Central Health apart from the competition.

“Unlike many other carriers, we are deeply rooted in the communities we serve,” he explains. “California has a rich and diverse population that includes large numbers of Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese speaking residents. We make it our mission to understand each community and employ a staff of in-house multilingual experts who understand the cultural sensitivities of its diverse members so that we can best serve them.”

“We are pleased to announce that Central Health Medicare Plan has been chosen for the 2023 Senior Choice Gold Award, which honors Medicare plans that address the concerns that beneficiaries may have with plan performance and the out-of-pocket costs they may incur after they enroll,” explains HealthMetrix Research and MedicareNewsWatch.com President Alan Mittermaier. “Central Health Medicare Plan has demonstrated a commitment to delivering maximum value in the design of its plan benefits, copayments, deductibles, and premiums regardless of health status. We believe that informed beneficiaries can rely on this award as an indication of excellence just as they rely on other awards and consumer ratings that recognize excellence in quality of care and member satisfaction.”

Central Health Medicare Plan is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Central Health Medicare Plan depends on contract renewal. The Senior Choice Gold Award is presented by HealthMetrix Research Inc., Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.

For more information about Central Health Medicare Plan, call 1-866-314-2427 or visit www.CentralHealthPlan.com.

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