Sharp to be exclusive network care provider for $0-premium Sharp SecureHorizons Plan by UnitedHealthcare
MINNETONKA, Minn. & SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- UnitedHealthcare and Sharp HealthCare have extended their relationship for five years, ensuring that UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare Advantage members will have continued access to Sharp’s hospitals and physician network until at least 2016.
As part of the relationship, UnitedHealthcare will rebrand one of its Medicare Advantage plans in 2012 as Sharp SecureHorizons Plan by UnitedHealthcare (HMO). People who enroll in the plan can access comprehensive coverage exclusively at Sharp’s extensive hospital and physician network in San Diego County.
The rebranded Sharp SecureHorizons Plan offers beneficiaries the peace of mind of accessing their health care through two of the most well-respected health care organizations in Southern California.
“The people we serve will benefit through long-term access to the outstanding Sharp facilities and care providers, and through the clarity we can offer through the rebranded Sharp SecureHorizons Plan,” said Michael McCarthy, regional executive director of UnitedHealthcare Medicare Solutions in Southern California. “Through collaboration with such a trusted and highly regarded health care system over the next five years, we’re confident we can provide our members with enhanced value and quality coverage.”
The Sharp SecureHorizons Plan is UnitedHealthcare’s only Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan with a $0 monthly premium in San Diego County in 2012. It offers predictable costs and financial protection through annual limits on out-of-pocket health expenses. Part D prescription drug coverage is included in the plan for no additional monthly premium beyond the Medicare Part B premium, and members can visit Sharp’s physicians for low co-payments. The plan also features benefits not available through Original Medicare, such as coverage of routine vision and hearing care, and a gym membership though the SilverSneakers fitness program.
“Transforming the patient experience by providing high-quality, compassionate care has been our top priority, and over the past 10 years we have seen more San Diegans choose Sharp than any other health care provider,” said Mike Murphy, president and CEO of Sharp HealthCare. “We’re looking forward to continue serving UnitedHealthcare’s members through this relationship and providing them with the care they want and deserve.”
Sharp HealthCare will be the exclusive network care provider for beneficiaries who enroll in the Sharp SecureHorizons plan by UnitedHealthcare. Members will have access to comprehensive care available at Sharp’s affiliated medical facilities and physician network in the greater San Diego area.
The full-service hospitals include Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, Sharp Grossmont Hospital, Sharp Coronado Hospital and Sharp Memorial Hospital. Members can access specialized care at three specialty hospitals and an outpatient center that are part of the Sharp Metropolitan Medical Campus: Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns; Sharp Mesa Vista; Sharp McDonald Center; and Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion.
Sharp’s physician network includes Sharp Community Medical Group and Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group, totaling more than 1,100 physicians. Both groups have been awarded Elite Status, the highest possible designation for quality care given by the California Association of Physician Groups (CAPG) as part of its 2011 Standards of Excellence program.
Sharp Community Medical Group is an association of more than 200 primary and 500 specialty care doctors who practice independently in their own offices, conveniently located throughout San Diego County. In addition, Sharp Community patients have access to 17 urgent care centers throughout the county.
Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group is a multispecialty medical group with 400 physicians representing almost every medical specialty. Sharp Rees-Stealy patients receive most of the care they need – lab, radiology, physical therapy, pharmacy, urgent care and other services – at the physician’s office. Additionally, Sharp Rees-Stealy offers patients a free, easy way to manage their health care online. With mySharp™, patients or their loved ones can email the physician’s office, schedule appointments, view select lab results and more.
UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement is the nation’s largest business dedicated to meeting the health and well-being needs of seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries. Approximately 9 million members are enrolled in its portfolio of Medicare plans, which includes Medicare Advantage, Part D prescription drug and Medicare supplement plans. UnitedHealthcare has offered Medicare plans in California for more than two decades and currently serves more than 320,000 Medicare beneficiaries in the state, including more than 60,000 in San Diego County.
UnitedHealthcare will offer three additional Medicare Advantage plans in San Diego County marketed under the AARP MedicareComplete name. Beneficiaries who enroll in these plans will continue to have access to health care services at Sharp facilities.
Medicare beneficiaries living in San Diego County can enroll in the Sharp SecureHorizons Plan during the Annual Election Period (Oct. 15-Dec. 7). For more information, visit www.UHCandSharp.com.
About Sharp HealthCare
A 2007 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient, Sharp HealthCare is San Diego’s most comprehensive health care delivery system. It is recognized for clinical excellence for services in cardiac, cancer and multiorgan transplantation, as well as orthopedics, rehabilitation, behavioral health and women’s health. Sharp HealthCare has been widely acclaimed for its commitment to transform the health care experience for patients, physicians and staff through an organization-wide performance improvement initiative called The Sharp Experience. The Sharp system includes four acute care hospitals, three specialty hospitals, two affiliated medical groups and a health plan. To learn more about Sharp, visit www.sharp.com.
About UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is dedicated to helping people nationwide live healthier lives by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. The company offers the full spectrum of health benefit programs for individuals, employers and Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries. UnitedHealthcare serves more than 38 million people and is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company.
The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits. For more information contact the plan.
Other plans may be available in the service area.
UnitedHealthcare® Medicare Advantage plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company and its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract.
Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits may vary by county and plan.
SilverSneakers® is a registered mark of Healthways, Inc. The SilverSneakers® program is made available as part of this plan’s benefits to those insured through this plan. UnitedHealthcare does not endorse and is not responsible for the services or information provided by this program. Consult a health care professional before beginning any exercise program.
CONTACT:
UnitedHealthcare
Sarah Bearce, 952-931-4732
[email protected]
or
Sharp HealthCare
John Cihomsky, 858-499-4117
[email protected]
KEYWORDS: United States North America California Minnesota
INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Seniors Health Hospitals Professional Services Insurance Consumer Managed Care
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