Detroit’s HAP Partners With Physician Organizations to Create Zero-dollar Medicare Advantage Plan

Health Alliance Plan (HAP) in Detroit today announced it has partnered with United Physicians and Oakland Southfield Physicians to create a Medicare Advantage plan that gives HAP members access to more than 400 of the highest-rated primary care physicians in metro Detroit while also offering access to HAP’s network of specialists and health care facilities.

The new program is called Primary Choice and is a Medicare Advantage HMO plan with a zero-dollar premium and zero-dollar preventive services coverage.

The plan is available to Medicare-eligible residents of Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties and was created by physicians to help meet the needs of these patients. Primary care physicians from United Physicians and Oakland Southfield Physicians worked with HAP to develop the plan.

The plan includes zero-dollar copays for primary care physician (PCP) visits, lab work, telehealth services, and annual physicals, as well as zero-dollar coverage for pulmonary and cardiac rehab, which is designed to reduce hospital readmissions.

PCPs coordinate patient care through referrals to specialists and can refer patients to any specialist or health care facility in the network. A HAP referral is not required. The plan allows PCPs to have an active role in their patients’ care.

“Primary care physicians are on the front lines in providing care to their patients, especially when it comes to Medicare members,” says Michael Genord, chief medical officer of HAP. “PCPs are uniquely positioned to help their patients navigate the often-confusing world of the health care delivery system.

“That’s why HAP has partnered with United Physicians and Oakland Southfield Physicians. These two organizations have some of the highest-performing local physicians and are the ideal partners to make sure the patient-physician relationship is trusted and strong.”

Having a single source serve as gatekeeper for patients’ health information results in fewer medication errors, lower hospital readmission rates, and overall patient satisfaction with the medical attention received.

“The importance of the physician-patient relationship cannot be overstated,” says Michael Williams, president and CEO of United Physicians. “Medicare patients rely heavily on their physicians when making medical decisions, which is why this plan and partnership are so strategic. When it comes to health care coordination, Primary Choice puts physicians in the driver’s seat, which is where they belong.”

Consumers can select Primary Choice beginning Oct. 15, the start of the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which runs through Dec. 7. Coverage will be effective Jan. 1, 2019. Those who become eligible for Medicare at a later date may select Primary Choice at that time.