November 1, 2007
We need to inform you of a significant change affecting our patients with Medicare.
Beginning in 2008 Lakeshore Clinic will only be able to accept a limited number of Medicare insurance plans.
We do not take this step lightly, but unless we can reduce our Medicare losses, we will be forced to leave
Medicare participation entirely, effectively making you, our Medicare patient, uninsured for all of our services.
This is an extremely unpalatable alternative, which we are avoiding by contracting with several Medicare Advantage plans for 2008.
The following is a list of the Medicare Advantage plans that will be accepted by Lakeshore Clinic beginning in 2008.
2008 Accepted Medicare Advantage Insurance Companies
| Company Name | Plan Type |
| Puget Sound Health Partners | Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) |
| Regence Blue Shield MedAdvantage | Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) |
| Secure Horizons Health | Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) |
| Sierra Health & Life | Private Fee For Service Health Plan (PFFSHP) |
Employer Sponsored supplement plans will continue to be accepted through 2008.
Not Sure What to Do?
We realize that this change will require you to carefully consider all of your options, and we want to provide you with as much assistance as possible. The federal government prohibits healthcare providers from directly assisting patients with questions specific to Medicare insurance coverage. Lakeshore Clinic has therefore identified VibrantUSA to help our patients sort through their Medicare insurance options. VibrantUSA is a statewide independent insurance agency that specializes in Medicare insurance, and they are well-trained on each of the Medicare Advantage plans we are accepting. They do not charge patients for their services, as they are paid directly from the insurance company. For information on the plans listed above and the timeline for making changes, please contact Vibrant USA toll free at 1-866-733-5111.
This change to our policy is a necessary step to ensure that Lakeshore Clinic will be able to continue providing care to our Medicare patients into the future. The alternative is for us to cease being Medicare participating providers altogether.
We greatly appreciate your flexibility and understanding during this time of crisis.
Sincerely,
The Physicians at Lakeshore Clinic
