Kaiser Senior Health Care
Kaiser Permanente
2238 Geary Blvd.
San Francisco, CA 94115
Kaiser Permanente is the largest nonprofit integrated health maintenance organization (HMO) in America. They currently insure more than 8.2 million members in 9 states. As with other HMOs, Kaiser’s focus is on keeping its members healthy.
Senior Advantage member benefits (in addition to Medicare benefits) include:
- routine physical exams
- some immunizations
- screening diagnostics
- pharmacy services
- emergency care
- virtually no paperwork
Also, like other HMOs, members of Kaiser must receive their health care through the Kaiser doctors and hospitals, in order for your costs to be covered. Kaiser has designed its Senior Advantage Plan specifically for people age 65 and over.
Who is eligible for Senior Advantage?
Anyone who is entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled in Part B can join. You must also live in an area that has Kaiser service.
Can I keep my Medicare coverage if I join Kaiser?
Yes. Kaiser will provide all of your Medicare-covered services. In fact, you must maintain your Medicare coverage in order to be a Senior Advantage member.
Can I be turned down because of my age or medical condition?
No. Kaiser does not require a physical exam for you to enroll. There is no upper age limit. Only those with End Stage Renal Disease are ineligible.
Can I go to a doctor outside the Kaiser system for my care?
No. The Senior Advantage plan will only cover medical expenses outside the Kaiser system in cases of emergency. For emergency care, you will submit a claim for reimbursement.
Can my membership be canceled?
Your membership cannot be canceled because of your health status. You can only lose membership if: (1) you leave your service area for more than 6 months, (2) you don’t keep up your Medicare coverage, or (3) you fail to pay your Kaiser dues.
What does a Senior Advantage Plan cost?
You pay a monthly dues in addition to your Medicare premiums. There are also copayments for some services. Costs vary depending on where you live. 
