#United States #St. Louis #Medicare Advantage #Essence Healthcare #Mid-Missouri

Essence Healthcare Introduces 2026 Medicare Advantage Plans

Essence Healthcare, a prominent figure in Medicare Advantage offerings, has announced its 2026 plans tailored for beneficiaries in the Mid-Missouri region. This decision marks a crucial expansion aimed at supporting over 41,000 eligible seniors during the forthcoming Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 to December 7, 2025.

Jordan Reigel, the president of Essence Healthcare, emphasizes the organization's commitment to providing consistent, reliable healthcare coverage. With more than 20 years of experience in Medicare Advantage, Essence stands out for its dedication to maintaining stability in the offerings whilst continually enhancing the quality of care available.

Key Features of the 2026 Plans

The newly announced plans come equipped with a variety of enhanced benefits designed specifically for the needs of the seniors in the Mid-Missouri area. Some highlights include:

• - Enhanced Drug Coverage: Beneficiaries will enjoy improved drug coverage, featuring $0 copays on select insulin medications along with fixed copays for other essential medications that fall within specific tiers.
• - Dental Benefits: There’s a noteworthy enhancement in dental care benefits through a partnership with LIBERTY Dental, ensuring members can access quality dental services without overwhelming costs.
• - Flexible Spending Options: A generous offering of Flex Cards allows members the versatility to manage their healthcare expenditures effectively.
• - Wellness Tools: All plans include access to cutting-edge wellness tools such as the Oura Ring, which aids in health management by promoting better sleep and lifestyle habits.
• - Preventive Services: Members can benefit from $0 copays for preventive services and primary care, making routine checks more accessible.
• - SilverSneakers Programming: This initiative encourages physical activity through gym memberships and fitness classes, enhancing members' wellness.
• - OTC Coverage: Coverage for over-the-counter items is also available, providing additional convenience and health management options.

Consistent Quality Ratings

Essence Healthcare has received consistent recognition for its high standards, with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) awarding its HMO plans a stellar 4.5 Stars or higher for five consecutive years from 2021 to 2025. They also marked a significant achievement with a 4-Star rating for their first year of offering PPO plans. Such ratings are indicative of the quality and reliability of the services offered, reaffirming Essence's commitment to its members.

Enrollment Information

To initiate enrollment in an Essence Medicare Advantage plan, individuals need to possess both Medicare Parts A and B and be residents within the service area. The ongoing Annual Enrollment Period allows interested parties to explore their options and finalize candidate selection until December 7. For those seeking more information or wishing to sign up, the website www.essencehealthcare.com offers comprehensive resources, and assistance can also be obtained by calling 1-866-509-5398 (TTY 711).

About Essence Healthcare

Essence Healthcare offers a broad array of Medicare health insurance plans, focusing on holistic wellness and personalized service delivery. With over 55,000 members, its Medicare Advantage plans encompass full hospital, medical, and coverage for prescription drugs, alongside supplementary benefits not encompassed in Original Medicare. Thanks to its collaboration with Lumeris, a leader in population health services, Essence Healthcare continues to scale in recognition for its service excellence and quality.