I have learned from Austin Ifedirah, Senior Director of Operations at XL Health, that his Baltimore-based disease management company, is opening enrollment for Care Improvement Plus, a PPO for Medicare beneficiaries with diabetes (as well as ESRD, COPD and CHF). This open-access plan which is available to people in all Missouri counties features three metallic tiers (Silver, Gold, and Platinum) of seven products with a range of benefits and premiums ($0-$103 per month).  For example, the $46/month Gold Rx Plan includes $10 co-pay for PCP visits, $25 for specialists, and pharmaceutical coverage through the “donut hole”…. and I am not talking about Krispy Kreme (this is a diabetes HMO afterall!).  All plans feature $0 co-pays for 6 podiatrist visits annually as foot care is a special area of emphasis for the plan.  For those who are interested in more information about this new product’s benefit design, send an email to eric@diabetescoalition.org.  Lastly, plans are underway to open an office in St. Louis and the regional president position is still open.  Interested?  Additional information about the company can be found at www.xlhealth.com  and www.careimprovementplus.com.  (Editor’s Note: A few days ago, we announced the launch of a similar diabetes-specific Medicare managed care product by GHP.  Click here to view that posting.) 

GHP has launched a new Medicare HMO product for people with diabetes.  With a name like Avantra Extra, a person with diabetes can expect some extras from this health plan.  Look for the benefit design to include free testing supplies, no-copay for diabetes medications, easy access to diabetes education, and ability to use an endocrinologist as a primary care provider.   Advantra Extra is available to all Medicare eligible individuals who have diabetes and who are living in the counties of St. Louis, St. Louis City, Jefferson and St. Charles in Missouri and St. Clair and Madison Counties in Illinois.  For more information, check out their official news release here.