PacifiCare Offers New Secure Horizons Medicare Advantage Value Plan In Partnership With Local Physician Organizations

CYPRESS, Calif., Oct. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PacifiCare Health Systems, Inc. , announced a long-term strategic partnership with Seattle Primary Care Physicians, The Polyclinic, Physicians of Southwest Washington and Northwest Physicians Network to provide access to a new Secure Horizons Medicare Advantage Value Plan, pending federal approval, to Medicare beneficiaries in King, Pierce, Lewis and Thurston Counties, effective Jan. 1, 2005.

The new Secure Horizons Medicare Advantage Value Plan offers unlimited generic prescription drug coverage with a $9 co-payment for a 30-day supply and $18 co-payment for a 90-day supply (via mail order) for drugs on a covered medications list. The Value Plan includes a $75 monthly health plan premium.

Members will also have access, at no additional charge, to a Solutions for Caregiver benefit, which provides information and expertise to better help members assess the specific needs of their loved ones. This benefit can also be used by the caregiver of a Secure Horizons member. One phone call puts caregivers in touch with Geriatric Care Managers (GCMs) who schedule in-person meetings with members and the loved ones they are caring for to assess their needs.

Value Plan members will receive preventive care, routine doctor and hospital visits, access to health management programs, worldwide emergency care, routine vision and hearing exams, and many other benefits and services in the Secure Horizons Medicare Advantage Plan that are not offered in Original Medicare coverage.

“The strategic partnership with Seattle Primary Care Physicians, The Polyclinic, Physicians of Southwest Washington and Northwest Physicians Network helps make the Value Plan a quality solution for Medicare members in and around the Seattle area who demand affordable, quality care,” said PacifiCare Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Howard G. Phanstiel. “Working in tandem with these prominent physician organizations, that are recognized for the quality of care they deliver to patients, reflects PacifiCare’s commitment to helping improve the health and well-being of our senior members.”

Approximately 70,000 Medicare beneficiaries in King, Pierce, Lewis and Thurston Counties are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan. Medicare beneficiaries interested in learning more about the new Secure Horizons Medicare Advantage Value Plan may call 1-800-426-6037 or visit http://www.securehorizons.com/.

PacifiCare Health Systems is one of the nation’s largest consumer health organizations with more than 3 million health plan members and approximately 10 million specialty plan members nationwide. PacifiCare offers individuals, employers and Medicare beneficiaries a variety of consumer-driven health care and life insurance products. Currently, more than 99 percent of PacifiCare’s commercial health plan members are enrolled in plans that have received Excellent Accreditation by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). PacifiCare’s specialty operations include behavioral health, dental and vision, and complete pharmacy and medical management through its wholly owned subsidiary, Prescription Solutions. More information on PacifiCare Health Systems is available at http://www.pacificare.com/.

PacifiCare

CONTACT: Cheryl Randolph of PacifiCare, +1-714-226-3441,cheryl.randolph@phs.com