Secure Health (FAQ)
How can Secure Health give me so much coverage without charging me a monthly plan premium?
Am I giving up my Medicare coverage when I join Secure Health?
Who is my Primary Care Physician (PCP)?
What is a Physician Team?
Why is a Physician Team effective at managing my care?
What is the difference between Choice 1 and Choice 2?
Are there any special requirements to enroll in Secure Health?
Do I need to take a physical? What about pre-existing conditions?
What if I enroll in Secure Health and find that the plan is not right for me?
How would I benefit from enrolling in Secure Health?
What does Secure Health do to monitor my health and optimize my well-being?
Is it true that there is virtually no paperwork?
Q: How can Secure Health give me so much coverage without charging me a monthly plan premium?
A: We're able to provide more coverage than Medicare alone because our physicians and hospitals are committed to working together to give you high-quality, affordable care. Secure Health is approved and funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the agency that administers Medicare. When you join the plan, Medicare pays Secure Health to provide your health coverage. That's why you continue paying your Medicare Part B premiums -- but no additional health plan premiums are required.
Q: Am I giving up my Medicare coverage when I join Secure Health?
A: Absolutely not. Secure Health covers all of your Medicare benefits and additional benefits not covered by Medicare. You still pay your Medicare Part B premium, but in return you'll receive more benefits than Medicare without paying an additional plan premium.
Q: Who is my Primary Care Physician (PCP)?
A: When you join Secure Health, you'll select a Primary Care Physician (PCP) from our extensive physician list. Your current physician may already be affiliated with our network -- but if not, there are many highly qualified physicians to choose from.
Q: What is a Physician Team?
A Physician Team is a group of primary care and specialty care physicians who work together to coordinate your healthcare.
Q: Why is a Physician Team effective at managing my care?
A: Peoples Health has created Physician Teams for you to facilitate your healthcare as well as coordinate your hospital inpatient and outpatient visits. Because the physicians have established relationships and open lines of communication, they are able to work closely together to coordinate your care.
Q: What is the difference between Choice 1 and Choice 2?
A: Each time you need to see a physician, you choose how you receive your care: Choice 1 (PCP-Team Coordinated) - You select a Primary Care Physician (PCP) from the Secure Health provider network when you enroll.
Q: Are there any special requirements to enroll in Secure Health?
A: All we require is that you live in our service area of Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington and West Baton Rouge parishes in Louisiana. In addition, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part B and be entitled to Medicare Part A and not have End-Stage Renal Disease.
Q: Do I need to take a physical? What about pre-existing conditions?
A: No physical is required. You only have to answer a few brief questions that Medicare requires on your enrollment form to verify that you do not have End-Stage Renal Disease.
Q: What if I enroll in Secure Health and find that the plan is not right for me?
A: If you find that Secure Health is not best suited for your needs and you would like to discontinue your membership, you have the option to enroll in another plan or return to traditional Medicare at any time. You may have additional rights depending on your previous coverage. Call a Benefits Advisor for more information.
Q: How would I benefit from enrolling in Secure Health?
A: Unlike an HMO, we are a triple-option health plan. This means that as a member of Secure Health, you have the flexibility to choose your own Primary Care Physician (PCP) and specialists from our extensive network of providers. You also have the ability see specialists without a referral from your PCP. Secure Health also gives you all the benefits of a Medicare and Medicare Supplement plan plus much more including:
- 100% coverage for Medicare-approved hospital stays
- Physician and Specialist office visits for $0 for PCP and $0.
- Unlimited prescription drug coverage for both brand-name and generic drugs
- No monthly premiums
- Vision coverage (eye exam plus one pair of glasses or contacts per year)
- Preventive dental care
Q: What does Secure Health do to monitor my health and optimize my well-being?
A: Secure Health takes a proactive approach to maintaining and even improving your overall well-being. We offer many wellness features and programs to members including:
- New member wellness evaluation
- Complimentary fitness center membership and classes
- Disease management programs
- Massage therapy discounts
Q: Is it true that there is virtually no paperwork?
A: Yes! Claims are forwarded to Secure Health directly and we take care of the paperwork.