Health Alliance Plan details Medicare coverage options for 2027 enrollment

Health Alliance Plan is steering Medicare-eligible Michigan residents through the Oct. 15-Dec. 7 enrollment window with Medicare Advantage, Dual-Eligible Special Needs and Medicare Supplement options. The plan is leaning on Henry Ford Health’s integrated system, new fitness and care-management benefits, and member support programs to differentiate its 2027 offerings.

Why it matters: - Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period gives beneficiaries one chance each year to switch coverage or adjust benefits for the next plan year. - Health Alliance Plan is using that window to pitch care-plus-coverage coordination as a way to reduce friction for members managing chronic conditions and routine care. - The strategy matters in Michigan as some insurers scale back Medicare Advantage offerings while Health Alliance Plan says it is committed to the state for the long term.

What happened: - Health Alliance Plan is urging Medicare-eligible members to review coverage options ahead of the 2027 plan year. - Medicare-eligible individuals can begin reviewing and selecting coverage on Oct. 15. - The Annual Enrollment Period runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. - The company is promoting Medicare Advantage, Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans and Medicare Supplement options for Michigan residents. - Members can find plan details at plan options.

The details: - Health Alliance Plan says members have access to personalized support, coordinated care and Henry Ford Health’s integrated health system. - The network includes more than 550 sites of care and a broad statewide provider network. - Health Alliance Plan membership grew 46% last year. - The Medicare Advantage lineup includes plans with a $0 monthly premium, $0 annual deductible, $0 primary care visits and low specialist copays. - The plans also include a flex card for over-the-counter items such as pain relievers, vitamins and bandages. - Preventive dental benefits include cleanings and exams with no copay or deductible. - Routine eye exams and routine hearing exams are $0. - Members have access to a broad network of primary care physicians, specialists and hospitals. - A new fitness benefit powered by One Pass offers access to hundreds of fitness locations across Michigan plus online fitness options. - Care management programs are designed to help members manage chronic and complex health conditions. - Not all benefits apply to every plan. - Members still must pay their Medicare Part B premium, and any late enrollment penalty still applies.

Between the lines: - Health Alliance Plan is positioning Medicare as a service model, not just an insurance product. - The Navigator program reflects that approach by pairing many Medicare Advantage members with a Michigan-based care advocate. - Navigators help members find a primary care doctor, schedule an Annual Wellness Visit, understand benefits and connect with healthy-living programs. - The outreach includes check-ins, birthday greetings and other touchpoints throughout the year. - The company says those touchpoints are informed by research on which benefits and programs matter most to members. - In other words, Health Alliance Plan is signaling that member retention and growth may depend on hands-on support as much as price.

What's next: - Members enrolled in several plans will automatically receive Navigator support, including HAP Medicare Prime (PPO), HAP Medicare Superior (HMO), HAP Member Assist (PPO), HAP Medicare Complete Duals (HMO D-SNP), Henry Ford Select (HMO) and HAP Medicare Diabetes and Heart (C-SNP). - Members can self-enroll in Diabetes Care Connection by calling (313) 874-7495, TTY: 711. - Health Alliance Plan says the Diabetes Care Connection program combines education, coaching and clinical support between office visits. - A recent analysis found that 74% of participants lowered their A1C levels. - The program was recognized by the Michigan Association of Health Plans for measurable clinical improvements. - Eligible Medicare Advantage members may also access Protera Health’s virtual care program for back, joint and muscle pain. - Research published in NEJM Catalyst and Frontiers in Digital Health found nearly 94% of participants reported meaningful improvement in at least one health outcome through that program. - Members with qualifying skin conditions may access Zerigo Health’s at-home UVB phototherapy for psoriasis, eczema and vitiligo. - The company says at-home treatment may reduce barriers to care while keeping members connected to their healthcare team.

The bottom line: - Health Alliance Plan is betting that richer benefits, tighter care coordination and year-round support will help it stand out during Medicare shopping season and keep members engaged after enrollment. - The company says it serves more than half a million members across Michigan.