|
|
News release: Colorado - Denver/BoulderJune 29, 2000 For more information, call: Medicare service area won't change in 2001 Denver, CO – Kaiser Permanente will not reduce its Medicare coverage area in 2001, the nonprofit health care organization announced Thursday. "We've been with Medicare since its inception and will continue with it for the foreseeable future. That stability is important to our senior members," said Maureen Hanrahan, director of government programs. Kaiser Permanente cares for more than 50,000 Medicare members in the six-county Denver metro area. The announcement comes as for-profit managed-care companies throughout the nation report expected cutbacks in their Medicare programs next year. That continues a trend as managed-care companies try to overcome financial losses. "The turmoil in Medicare has been tough on seniors, many of whom have had to find a new health plan and a new doctor," Hanrahan said. "But our commitment is to the patients, not Wall Street." Hanrahan said Kaiser Permanente's integrated system, which coordinates the expertise of on-staff doctors, nurses, pharmacists, counselors, and specialists, helps provide high-quality medicine more efficiently. For example, disease management programs for diabetes, cardiac disease, and asthma help keep patients on track with their therapies, reducing hospitalizations and emergency room visits. "Our frail elderly patients are closely monitored by specially trained registered nurses who not only look out for their medical needs, but also can refer them to community programs that can help them remain independent as long as possible," Hanrahan said. Kaiser Permanente is the only managed-care organization in the Denver metro area that offers a Medicare option at no monthly premium. Rates and benefits for 2001 are being evaluated by Kaiser Permanente and the federal Health Care Finance Administration, and any changes will be announced in the fall. Kaiser Permanente cares for 334,000 members in the Denver metro area at 16 medical offices.
|
