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Press Release
New Individual Market Plan, Balance by MedicaSM, Introduced in Joplin Area, Southwestern Missouri
Available for Individual Plan Members for January 1, 2021 Coverage
October 6, 2020
MINNETONKA, Minn. — Medica today announced a new health plan option for individuals and families in the Springfield area and southwestern Missouri. The plan, Balance by MedicaSM delivered by Mercy, is the result of a relationship between Medica and Mercy. By teaming up, the organizations have created an insurance plan for individuals and families focused on getting the highest quality care at an affordable price.
People interested in Balance by Medica can enroll in the plan starting Nov. 1, 2020 when the Open Enrollment Period for 2021 begins. A variety of benefit design options are available, including copay plans, health savings account compatible plans, and a catastrophic plan for those who qualify. Enrollment in the plan is available through the Health Insurance Marketplace (www.healthcare.gov) for coverage on or after Jan. 1, 2021. More information about the plan is available at www.medica.com/IFP.
Balance by Medica is available to residents of the following counties: Barry, Cedar, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Greene, Hickory, Howell, Jasper, Laclede, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Polk, Saint Clair, Stone, Texas, Vernon, Webster and Wright.
In the Joplin area, the Balance by Medica provider network includes about 700+ primary care and specialty physicians, 7 hospitals, home health services and Mercy Convenient Care clinics. Members have direct access to Mercy, Cedar County Memorial Hospital, Landmark Hospital of Joplin, and Girard Medical Center.
In southwestern Missouri, the Balance by Medica provider network includes about 2,500 primary care and specialty physicians, 21 hospitals, home health services and Mercy Convenient Care clinics. Members have direct access to Mercy, Cedar County Memorial Hospital, Citizens Memorial Hospital, Girard Medical Center, Landmark Hospital of Joplin, Ozarks Medical Center, Select Specialty Hospital –Springfield and Texas County Memorial Hospital among others.
Balance by Medica also is available in the Oklahoma City area. Altogether, the network includes about 5,500 primary care and specialty providers and more than 30 hospitals. In addition to the providers in southwest Missouri, members have direct access to providers in Oklahoma including: Mercy, Oklahoma Heart Hospital and OU Medicine among others.
A complex specialty care program featuring Mayo Clinic is available and includes an allowance for transportation, lodging and living expenses in certain cases.
Balance by Medica features the Healthy Living with Medica program, a personalized wellness program with reward and discounts earned for participation. The plan also includes the Ovia Health app for expectant parents, which provides personalized clinically-based guidance and support for the parenthood journey. Members also have access to a Health Advocate, an individual who helps members address health care concerns and can do the legwork to help identify appropriate providers and find answers to questions about claims, costs, procedures and other health matters.
"Medica is pleased to offer coverage for the high quality care that Mercy provides," said Geoff Bartsh, Medica senior vice president for individual and family business. "Medica is committed to making care more efficient and accessible and Balance by Medica does that by providing a seamless care experience through our relationship with Mercy."
Said Jeremy Drinkwitz, president of Mercy Hospital Joplin. "There may never have been a moment in our lifetimes when health care has been more important than in this global pandemic. Medica entering the marketplace gives people in Southwest Missouri another option for coverage, and we encourage anyone who needs a plan to consider this one."
About Medica
Medica is a non-profit health plan headquartered in Minnesota. The company serves communities in the heart of America by providing health care coverage and related services in the employer, individual, Medicaid and Medicare markets. It operates in Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
Medica's vision is to be trusted in the community for our unwavering commitment to high quality, affordable health care. Medica's annual report, which includes the organization's community involvement activities, is available online.
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Medica
Greg Bury
612-810-4556
[email protected]