EL PASO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Amerigroup and El Paso Integral Care (EPIC) have teamed up to provide proactive, patient-centered health care to individuals covered under Amerigroup Medicare Advantage plans in the El Paso area. This collaboration will also increase access to a network of primary care providers and specialists for some of the region’s most vulnerable populations.
In this collaboration, which will be effective August 1, EPIC will be participating in a risk-based payment model, meaning clinicians will be rewarded based on working to keep patients healthier, focusing more on preventive care, and making care coordination a priority.
“EPIC has one of the largest geographic reaches in the El Paso area through our network of more than 100 physicians and supporting clinicians,” said Dr. Hector Lopez, chairman of EPIC. “We are honored that Amerigroup has selected our clinicians to provide health care to its members as this helps us achieve our mission – to be a valued member of the community that provides patient care excellence by lessening common health aliments, providing compassionate care, and restoring health and vitality.”
Amerigroup and EPIC aim to make health care easier for individuals who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare – also known as dual eligible. Specifically, individuals who already use EPIC’s network of clinics under their Medicare, or Medicare and Medicaid plan, will now have the choice to continue seeing the same EPIC doctors and nurses when they enroll in Amerigroup’s Medicare Advantage plans.
This collaboration includes Amerivantage Select and Amerivantage Dual Coordination, which are Amerigroup health plans available to individuals who are eligible for Medicare, or Medicare and Medicaid. The plans provide additional benefits not available with traditional Medicare.
- Amerivantage Select (HMO) offers $0 premiums and low out-of-pocket costs, including $0 copay for primary care visits and preventive care, such as annual physical, dental vision and hearing exams. Plan members also have access to up to $1,000 per year toward the purchase of dental services, such as dentures, crowns and oral surgery.
- Amerivantage Dual Coordination (HMO SNP) features a $0 premium for individuals with Medicare and qualifying Medicaid; $0 copay for acupuncture and up to $2,500 per year toward the purchase of dental services, such as dentures, crowns and oral surgery.
Both plans also offer, at no additional cost to members, monthly access to the SilverSneakers® fitness program; free transportation for medical and pharmacy visits; and money toward the purchase of eyewear, hearing aids and health care items, such as cold and allergy products, dental products, and vitamins.
“Amerigroup and EPIC share the same goal of delivering high-quality affordable health care to the members we are privileged to serve,” said Josh Martin, president of Amerigroup Medicare west region. “Cost of care continues to be an important issue for seniors living on a fixed income, particularly with more than half of the dual eligible population living on $10,000 a year or less. By continuing to add clinicians with excellent reputations for quality, our goal is to help our members manage their care, improve their health outcomes, and lower their costs.”
To learn more about Amerivantage Select and Amerivantage Dual Coordination plans, visit www.myamerigroup.com/medicare. For more information about the health care services available at El Paso Integral Care, individuals can visit www.epicdoctors.com.
AMERIGROUP Texas, Inc. is a Medicare Advantage Organization with a Medicare contract. For Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans: AMERIGROUP Texas, Inc. is a D-SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the State Medicaid program. Enrollment in AMERIGROUP Texas, Inc. depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. ATTENTION: If you speak a language other than English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-470-4131 (TTY 711). ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-470-4131 (TTY 711). This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare. Premium, co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive. Please contact the plan for further details. Other providers are available in our network.
About Amerigroup
Amerigroup is part of the Anthem Government Business Division (GBD). Through the GBD, Anthem serves 7.4 million seniors, people with disabilities, low-income families and other state and federally sponsored beneficiaries, and National Government Services enrollees (including the Federal Employee Program) in 26 states, making us the nation’s leading provider of health care solutions for public programs. Amerigroup accepts all eligible people regardless of age, sex, race or disability.
About El Paso Integral Care
El Paso Integral Care (EPIC) is a physician owned Independent Physician Association. Located in El Paso, TX. EPIC brings together 25 primary care doctors and access to dozens of specialists. EPIC prides itself on its engaged physicians and unique model that encourages physicians to work together to improve overall patient care. This is achieved through evidence-based medicine, sharing of best practices, data sharing and peer evaluation. EPIC emphasizes preventive care, data sharing, and population health management – all of which help EPIC operate effectively and efficiently.