(Phoenix, AZ – September 22, 2008) — Senior Care Action Network (SCAN), a not-for-profit health plan serving seniors and others with Medicare, will expand its offerings in Maricopa County in 2009 with the addition of a new Medicare Advantage Plan. As a result, Medicare-eligible individuals living here will be able to choose SCAN as their health plan during the upcoming Medicare open enrollment season.

The Medicare Advantage Plan will be the third product offered by SCAN in Arizona. The company also offers a Medicare Special Needs Plan for Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS). Another product, SCAN Long Term Care, offers services to nearly 2,000 beneficiaries who are enrolled in the ALTCS program in Maricopa County.

Partnering with SCAN in servicing its Medicare Advantage members will be Banner Physician Hospital Organization and Arizona State Physician Association. Members will have more than 1,000 primary care physicians and 2,000 specialists from which to choose. Participating hospitals include Banner, IASIS, and John C. Lincoln.

“We are committed to providing Medicare-eligible individuals in Maricopa County a true choice in health plans by offering one that helps them reduce their out-of-pocket expenses while providing an array of resources specifically designed to help them remain healthy and independent,” said Thomas Lescault, president of SCAN’s Arizona operations.

SCAN Health Plan has been supporting the health and independence of older adults for more than 30 years. The not-for-profit health plan was founded by a group of seniors who were frustrated by their lack of access to services and who wanted an organization that would address their specific needs. Those seniors formed the Senior Care Action Network, now known as SCAN Health Plan, to focus exclusively on the Medicare market. The goal of the organization then was the same as it is today.

“A lot has changed in the Medicare environment over the past three decades,” said Lescault. “One thing that hasn’t changed is the desire of seniors to retain their health and independence. Helping members achieve this has always been and will always continue to be SCAN’s overriding mission.”

In accordance with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines, benefit details of the new Medicare Advantage Plan will be announced on October 1, 2008.

SCAN Arizona is part of SCAN Health Plan, the fourth largest nonprofit Medicare Advantage Plan in the U.S .In addition to Arizona, SCAN currently serves more than 105,000 members in Southern California, making it one of California’s fastest-growing health plans. Further information may be obtained at www.scanhealthplan.com.