HealthCare Partners, IPA, Dr. Richard Merkin, CEO, Recognize Seniors Taking Their Healthcare Concerns Directly to Lawmakers in Wash...( GARDEN CITY New York Oct. 7 /- He...),Health

GARDEN CITY, New York, Oct. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- HealthCare Partners, IPA and CEO Dr. Richard Merkin recognize and congratulate seniors enrolled with HCP, IPA for their efforts to take the country's most vital concern, health care reform, directly to members of Congress, expressing their concerns regarding changes in Medicare.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091007/LA89266)

Dr. John Gastright, Senior Medical Director at HCP, IPA accompanied Sheila and Arthur Tower along with Priority Care Case Manager, Patrice Theobold, RN, to meet with members of Congress letting them know that they like their current level of care and that it works well for them and has made a critical difference in the quality of their lives.

"I'm a breast cancer survivor," said 74-year-old Sheila Tower. "And my care from HCP, IPA has made it so much easier to cope with my desire to beat and overcome this disease. There's no way I could have made it without my care case coordinator, Linda Cervelli, who coordinated all my tests, doctor visits, chemotherapy, referrals and paperwork. I'm alive because of this and I wanted my legislators to know first hand, this is not a place to make any cost cuts."

Her husband, 84-year-old Arthur Tower who suffers from Parkinson's disease, agrees. "We are both enrolled in Medicare Advantage and our care is preventative in that we are able to discuss our medical concerns and diagnosis before they get to the critical stage, saving us time and money, adding to the quality of our lives. We have peace of mind and less stress because we know we can reach out to HCP, IPA 24/7 and if necessary, they will send a nurse or doctor to our home."

The Towers, Dr. Gastright and Theobold met with Congressman Gary Ackerman, Congresswoman Caroly
'/>"/>