HealthMetrix Research Selects 2008 Medicare Advantage Plans for Best Overall Ben...( COLUMBUS Ohio Nov. 1 /- Medicare ...),Health

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Medicare plans in 90 cities will be recognized for best overall value in the design of their 2008 medical and Part D prescription drug benefits for seniors. The 2008 Senior Choice Gold Award recipients were selected from over 200 Medicare Advantage managed care plans based on independent cost-sharing comparisons conducted annually by HealthMetrix Research Inc. and MedicareNewsWatch.com. According to HealthMetrix Research Inc. president Alan Mittermaier:

"These forward-looking independent comparisons provide Medicare beneficiaries with true out-of-pocket costs associated with joining a Medicare Advantage plan. Each award recipient has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in the design of their 2008 Medicare plan benefits, copayments, deductibles and premiums including the Part D prescription drug benefits. HealthMetrix Research applauds these organizations and we are confident that informed seniors can rely on the Senior Choice Gold Award recognition when selecting a Medicare Advantage plan during the 2008 enrollment season."

The award criteria were based on 2008 benefits and cost-sharing approved by Medicare for the selected plans. Estimated annual out-of-pocket costs consider beneficiaries' health status (healthy, episodic, chronic) and utilization of the most common health plan benefits (physician office visits, emergency care, hospital care, prevention care, prescriptions). HealthMetrix Research cost-sharing comparisons for over 100 cities are available at http://www.MedicareNewsWatch.com. HealthMetrix Research neither recommends nor endorses specific Medicare plans. 2008 Senior Choice Gold Award Recipients

East

Albany Fidelis Care

Allentown Unison Health Plan

Atlanta Humana

Baltimore-Washington DC Bravo Health

Boston-Wor
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