Healthfirst Expands Signature Medicare Portfolio to Include PPO Plan for 2023

New York’s largest provider of Medicare Advantage plans introduces a new Medicare Advantage PPO plan to provide beneficiaries with more options for seeking the care they need

Healthfirst, one of the largest Medicare Advantage plans in New York,ⁱ today announced it will offer its first Medicare Advantage Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan for 2023. The plan was designed to provide Medicare beneficiaries the flexibility to receive coverage for out-of-network care or to choose the lower-cost option of receiving care from Healthfirst’s extensive network of in-network physicians and providers.

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The Healthfirst Signature portfolio of Medicare Advantage plans includes Healthfirst Signature (HMO) and the new Healthfirst Signature (PPO). With the expansion of the Signature Medicare by Healthfirst portfolio, there are now two great affordable options for seniors to get healthcare coverage that provides flexibility and personalization. (Graphic: Business Wire)

“The Signature Medicare PPO plan is a good choice for Medicare beneficiaries who can afford to pay slightly more for the flexibility of seeing out-of-network providers and specialists without a referral,” said Jen Cohen-Smith, Senior Vice President, Medicare, Healthfirst. “Healthfirst developed a PPO plan to offer seniors compelling benefits and options that provide them with the flexibility to get access to the care that’s right for them.”

The new Healthfirst Signature (PPO) plan gives Medicare beneficiaries access to a broad network of providers plus the freedom to see out-of-network providers that accept Medicare. In addition to giving New Yorkers their choice of doctors, Healthfirst Signature (PPO) offers a $700/year Signature Flex card to use on dental,ⁱⁱ vision, and hearing out-of-pocket costs, a $250 eyewear allowance every two years,ⁱⁱⁱ hearing aids^iv as low as $0 every year, and low-cost prescription drug coverage. Healthfirst Signature (PPO) also features a US Travel/Visitor benefit that lets beneficiaries pay in-network copays when receiving Medicare-covered services in Florida by providers that accept Medicare. Healthfirst Signature (PPO) is available in NYC and Nassau County.

The Healthfirst Signature portfolio of Medicare Advantage plans also includes Healthfirst Signature (HMO), ^* which lets members personalize their plan with a Choice Extra Benefit of either a $70/quarter OTC card or up to 25 one-way trips to see providers for covered services and pharmacies. The Signature (HMO) plan offers comprehensive dental benefits, hearing and vision benefits that include affordable eyewear and hearing aids and is available in all Healthfirst service areas. Both plans—Signature (HMO) and Signature (PPO)—offer members access to a dedicated member services team that helps them get the most from the plan they chose.

“With the expansion of the Signature Medicare by Healthfirst portfolio, we now have two great affordable options for seniors to get healthcare coverage that provides flexibility and personalization, plus the added value of a plan that was created specifically for New Yorkers built on our unique understanding of our 1.8 million members and our strong relationships with providers in the communities we serve,” said Cohen-Smith.

We Care About Our Members’ Health and Happiness

Healthfirst is building on its “Where Healthy Starts” marketing campaign, introduced in 2021, by emphasizing the connection between staying healthy and being happy. The new TV spot, set to a version of the popular song “Come on, Get Happy”, ^** shows Medicare beneficiaries having lively days and vibrant experiences. This sentiment is pulled through in print and mobile advertising, as well as a new experiential mobile unit, called the Healthy Moves Van, that encourages seniors to keep moving and grooving to stay healthy. The depth and breadth of the campaign aims to extend the reach of awareness among seniors who may not otherwise be familiar with Healthfirst.

“A person’s health impacts so many other aspects of their life, including their overall level of happiness,” said Anthony Tramontano, Vice President, Marketing, Healthfirst. “That’s why Healthfirst aims to take the stress out of healthcare to help our members focus on the things that bring them personal fulfillment and happiness.”

Medicare Advantage plan enrollments during the AEP go into effect January 1, 2023.

About Healthfirst

Healthfirst is the largest not-for-profit health insurer in New York State, earning the trust of 1.8 million members by ensuring access to affordable and high-quality healthcare. Sponsored by downstate New York’s leading hospital systems, Healthfirst’s unique advantage is rooted in its mission to put members first by partnering closely with its broad network of providers on shared goals. Healthfirst is also a pioneer of the value-based care model, now recognized as a national best practice. For nearly 30 years, Healthfirst has worked with its network of hospital systems, community providers, and partners to improve health outcomes and advance health equity through better access to care—especially in underserved communities adversely impacted by disease, health disparities, and socioeconomic barriers to optimal health. Healthfirst has built its reputation in the community for top-quality products and services New Yorkers can depend on. Healthfirst serves members in New York City and on Long Island, as well as in Westchester, Rockland, Sullivan, and Orange counties. For more information on Healthfirst plans, please visit healthfirst.org.

*Healthfirst Signature (HMO) is available to those that have Medicare Parts A and B and live in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Nassau, or Westchester.

**Song publishing rights obtained, per license agreement dated 16-NOV-2021.

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ⁱBased on June 2022 CMS Medicare Advantage/Part D Contract and Enrollment data, excludes EGHP and ISNP. Healthfirst has the largest Medicare Advantage membership in the NY metropolitan area, including New York City, Nassau, Westchester, and the Lower Hudson Valley.

ⁱⁱDental services must be medically necessary; limitations and exclusions apply.

ⁱⁱⁱEyewear allowance may only be used at participating retailers.

^ivNo out-of-pocket costs for entry-level hearing aids.

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