MVP Health Care and The University of Vermont Health Network (UVMHN) today announced that their joint Medicare Advantage Plan, called UVM Health Advantage, will offer older adults in Northern New York and Vermont support for their two biggest health concerns: heart disease and diabetes. The plan provides 3 months of free medically tailoredmeals for those diagnosed with congestive heart failure, up to 36 free rides to or from medical appointments,a digital blood pressure cuff and pulse oximeter,low-cost orthotics and diabetic shoes, and more. Members of UVM Health Advantage will also have access to MVP’s vast network of physicians across Vermont and New York.
“UVM Health Advantage delivers a completely new Medicare Advantage experience – one that’s simpler, easier to use, and designed with our members and their physicians,” said MVP Health Care’s president and Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Del Vecchio. “We’re proud to pioneer this vision in partnership with UVM Health Network, which offers bold options for fighting two wide-spread conditions that older adults are facing.”
According to the CDC, heart disease is the leading cause of death in New York and Vermont, which is why UVM Health Advantage is supporting older adults as they navigate their health journey against this condition. Cardiac rehab level 3, which is designed to maintain a healthier lifestyle through supervised exercise sessions and health education, is covered at no cost—one of only three insurance plans in the country to so. Additionally, studies have shown the link between good dental hygiene and cardiac care—which is why UVM Health Advantage also offers robust dental benefits to its members.
Diabetes was also a top concern among older adults in the region, as more than 1.7 million New Yorkers and more than 55,000 Vermonters have been diagnosed with the condition. UVM Health Advantage covers routine podiatry visits, provides a glucometer and related supplies, includes low-cost orthotics and diabetic shoes, and free gym memberships to support in living a healthier lifestyle.
“We know that heart disease and diabetes can be successfully managed if patients have the right tools and support they need,” said John R. Brumsted, MD, President and CEO of The University of Vermont Health Network. “We are excited about our partnership with MVP to offer a plan that can help older adults in our region live healthier lives.”
UVM Health Advantage is available to residents of Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, and St. Lawrence counties in New York andAddison, Bennington, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham, and Windsor counties in Vermont.
To learn more about UVM Health Advantage, trained guides to help New Yorkers and Vermonters are available by calling 1-833-825-5886 (TTY: 711) or by visiting www.uvmhealthadvantage.com.
Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period is currently underway and ends on December 7.
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About MVP Health Care
MVP Health Care is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit health insurer caring for members in New York and Vermont. Committed to the complete well-being of our members and the communities we serve, MVP makes health insurance more convenient, more supportive, and more personal. For more information, visit www.mvphealthcare.com, or on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
About The University of Vermont Health Network
The University of Vermont Health Network is an academic health system that is comprised of six affiliate hospitals, a multi-specialty medical group, and a home health agency. We serve the residents of Vermont and northern New York with a shared mission: working together, we improve people’s lives. Our partners include:
- The University of Vermont Medical Center
- The University of Vermont Health Network Medical Group
- The University of Vermont Health Network – Alice Hyde Medical Center
- The University of Vermont Health Network – Central Vermont Medical Center
- The University of Vermont Health Network – Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital
- The University of Vermont Health Network – Elizabethtown Community Hospital
- The University of Vermont Health Network – Porter Medical Center
- The University of Vermont Health Network – Home Health & Hospice
Our 4,000 health care professionals are driven to provide high-quality, cost-efficient care as close to home as possible. Strengthened by our academic connection to the University of Vermont, each of our hospitals remains committed to its local community by providing compassionate, personal care shaped by the latest medical advances and delivered by highly skilled experts.
Media Contacts:
For MVP Health Care:
Michelle Golden
mgolden@mvphealthcare.com
For The University of Vermont Health Network:
Annie Mackin
Annie.Mackin@uvmhealth.org