SummaCare, UH to co-brand Medicare managed-care plans

Sept. 12--SummaCare is adding the University Hospitals name to its Medicare managed-care plans in communities where the Cleveland-based health system has facilities.

The Akron-based insurer and UH on Tuesday announced the agreement to co-brand SummaCare Medicare products in select markets.

The Medicare managed-care insurance plan will be known as University Hospitals Medicare Advantage from SummaCare, according to a new release.

Under the deal, UH, along with SummaCare, will provide dedicated care managers and coordination services to enrollees "to assist members with utilizing benefits and taking advantage of opportunities to lead healthier lives," the partners said in a joint statement.

"This is a vital collaboration that will prove beneficial to both organizations, and most importantly, to our Medicare Advantage members," Anne Armao, SummaCare vice president for marketing and consumer engagement, said in a prepared statement. "We expect our members to achieve improved quality of care, better health outcomes and an overall outstanding patient experience."

SummaCare's Medicare Advantage managed-care plans combine optional Part C coverage that provides help paying for doctor visits, hospital stays and other medical service with Part D benefits that cover prescription drugs.

These plans are available to everyone covered by Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people 65 or older and some younger disabled Americans.

The federal government contracts with private insurance companies to provide coverage to Medicare recipients who sign up for the plans. Everyone but the poorest pay a portion of the monthly premium if one is charged to consumers; the government picks up the rest of the cost.

A marketing campaign touting the Summa-UH collaboration is being launched where UH has hospitals and physicians. Those eligible for Medicare in SummaCare's service area will be able to enroll and utilize UH providers, as well as any other providers in the SummaCare Medicare network.

"We are excited for the opportunity to expand upon our great relationship with SummaCare and its trusted Medicare Advantage plans," Brent Carson, vice president for managed care contracting at UH, said in a prepared statement. "We anticipate working even more closely with SummaCare's clinical teams with the common goal of helping people enjoy healthier lives as they age."

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