HealthMetrix Research Selects 2009 Medicare Advantage Plans for Best Overall Ben...( COLUMBUS Ohio Oct. 30 /- Medicare...),Health

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Medicare Advantage plans in 87 cities will be recognized for best overall value in the design of their 2009 medical and Part D prescription drug benefits for seniors. The 2009 Senior Choice Gold Award recipients were selected from over 200 Medicare 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 2009 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 2009 enrollment season."

The award criteria were based on 2009 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.

Contact: Alan Mittermaier 614-236-8345 614-236-8034 Fax

2009 Senior Choice Gold Award Recipients

East

Albany Fidelis Care

Allentown Unison Health Plan

Atlanta
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