Senior Market Sales, Deaconess Hospital, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Solutions

Deaconess Hospital Partners with Senior Market Sales to Expand Insurance Offering for Medicare-Eligible Patients

SMS Deaconess Hospital Press Release

OMAHA, Neb. Dec. 8 — Deaconess Hospital has entered an agreement with Omaha-based Senior Market Sales, Inc. to offer its Medicare-eligible patients access to an expanded lineup of Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans. Patients who elect coverage through Deaconess can now choose from among the nation’s top Medicare insurance providers, including Mutual of Omaha, UnitedHealthcare, Coventry, CIGNA, Aetna, Pyramid and others.

"This agreement offers a greater choice for our Medicare-eligible customers," said Ann Tornatta, Deaconess Resource Center Manager. "The variety of insurance products available and the personalized service coordinated by Senior Market Sales will provide a more individualized Medicare solution for our mature patients."

The partnership with Senior Market Sales gives Deaconess patients access to web-based quoting tools, call center support and Web site support at www.deaconess.com/MedicareSolutions. Dwane McFerrin, Director of Medicare Solutions for Senior Market Sales called the deal "an exciting opportunity to support Deaconess as it provides affordable insurance to its patients."

One of the key features of the program, which is sponsored by the Deaconess Resource Center, is it allows patients to choose their method of enrollment. Patients have the option to request quotes and information online, over the phone, or in person. Evansville insurance agents Lisa Blankenship, J. Scott Burke and Jo Burke have been retained by Senior Market Sales to provide in-person consultations to patients who request them.

"The relationship between Deaconess and Senior Market Sales will provide our Tri-State Seniors with top quality products at the most competitive prices," Blankenship said. "Seniors will now have a wide variety of products to choose from, as well as personal assistance in understanding and selecting products that will best meet their needs. All of this furthers the Deaconess mission of making quality health care affordable in our community."

About Senior Market Sales, Inc.

Omaha-based Senior Market Sales has marketed Medicare solutions, health insurance, life insurance, annuities and other insurance products geared for seniors since 1982. The family-owned business provides independent agents with access to products from top carriers, as well as technical and webbased tools that help them leverage their time and grow their business.

About Deaconess Health System

Deaconess Health System is a premier provider of health care services in southwestern Indiana, western Kentucky and southeastern Illinois. The system includes five hospitals, located in southern Indiana: Deaconess Hospital, an acute care facility; The Women’s Hospital, serving the needs of women and infants; Deaconess Gateway Hospital, an acute care facility; Deaconess Cross Pointe, a behavioral health hospital; and HealthSouth Deaconess Rehabilitation Hospital, specializing in comprehensive medical rehabilitation. Also included in the system are a freestanding cancer center, a health system and physician owned managed care network of preferred hospitals and doctors, two ambulatory surgery centers, 19 ambulatory care sites, two urgent care facilities and multiple partnerships with other health care providers. For more information go to www.deaconess.com.

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