In the News

Medicare Part D Deadline is Here:
Valley Baptist Health Plans Holds Medicare Marathon

HARLINGEN, May 5, 2006  – In an effort to help people in the Rio Grande Valley meet the Medicare Part D deadline and avoid penalties, the Valley Baptist Health Plans office in Harlingen will be open 24 hours a day, from 9 a.m. Saturday, May 13th until midnight Monday, May 15th for a 63-hour non-stop Medicare Marathon. Medicare specialists will be available, in person and on the phone, to help people understand their options and make the right choice based on their specific needs.

As the May 15th deadline looms for residents to sign up for Prescription Drug Coverage or Medicare Part D, as many as 13 million eligible people on a national basis have not made this important decision and face costly penalties.

"As the only locally owned and operated insurance provider with a Medicare contract we will keep our doors open night and day to serve people who are facing this critical decision about their health care benefits," said Matt Robie, executive director of Valley Baptist Health Plans. "People need to know that they face penalties for not signing up for an eligible plan which can add up to 7% of the deductible for their lifetime."

During the Medicare Marathon people can call 877-422-4400 to schedule an appointment day or night or come in person at the Valley Baptist Health Plans office, 2005 Ed Carey, across the street from Valley Baptist Medical Center in Harlingen. Hearing impaired can call TTD/TTY, 800-562-5259.

Valley Baptist Health Plans offers large and small employers, individuals and Medicare/Medicaid beneficiaries a variety of health insurance products and is the only locally owned and operated insurance provider in the Rio Grande Valley. Valley Baptist Health Plans is a DBA of Valley Baptist Insurance Company, a health plan with a Medicare contract.

For more information on Valley Baptist Health Plans, please click here or call (956) 389-2273 or 1-877-424-4400.