Oscar, a technology-focused health insurer, and Montefiore Health System, a premier integrated academic health system, today announced that together they will launch a co-branded Medicare Advantage plan. New Yorkers can enroll in the new plan on October 15, during the Annual Open Enrollment Period, pending approval by CMS.

 Oscar’s expansion into New York’s Medicare Advantage market, in addition to its presence in both the individual and small group markets, will bring its tech-driven member experience to more consumers.  Oscar’s user-friendly experience enables members to quickly find high-quality, affordable doctors and access care when and where it’s convenient. Consumers will also get the best care from Montefiore’s first-class teams of integrated healthcare providers.

 Montefiore will partner with Oscar’s personalized concierge teams -- a group of care guides and nurses dedicated to each member -- who get to know members and help them find the most appropriate doctors and pharmacies so members can avoid additional costs.

 “We are looking forward to a long partnership with Montefiore that enables us to reach new members,” said Oscar CEO Mario Schlosser.  “Oscar has built an experience that meets our members where they are, no matter their age or health history, and Montefiore, with its academic expertise, extensive physician network and longstanding success providing comprehensive care to Medicare beneficiaries has done the same.  We are confident that our proven track record of providing health insurance with a superior member experience makes us an ideal match for Medicare Advantage’s consumer-driven model.” 

 The partnership also marks an important milestone for Montefiore which has been growing its longstanding presence in the Medicare Advantage market. Montefiore has long been a pillar in its communities and a leader in medical excellence delivering value-based care that focuses on keeping people healthy. Extending the reach of Medicare Advantage coverage will make its delivery of services available to that more Medicare beneficiaries throughout New York. 

 “Montefiore and Oscar are both innovators,” said Lynn Richmond, EVP and Chief Strategy Officer for Montefiore Medicine. “Montefiore’s mission has always been to advance the health of our communities through innovation – providing care when and where people need it most. With Oscar’s technology-driven models and our aligned dedication to providing an exceptional experience for Medicare beneficiaries, we are creating a new approach that will promote health and well-being and provide a seamless, patient-centered experience.”  

 Oscar first announced that it would be entering the Medicare Advantage Market in August 2018. Plans beginning January 1, 2020, pending regulatory approval, will be available during the Medicare Advantage Annual Election Period, from October 15 to December 7, 2019.  Oscar will also offer new Medicare Advantage plan in [Houston, TX].  Read more about Oscar’s Medicare Advantage plans in a blog post [LINK] written by Oscar CEO, Mario Schlosser.

 About Oscar

Oscar is a technology-driven, consumer-focused health insurance startup founded in 2012 and headquartered in New York City. Oscar uses technology and personalized service to give members transparency into the health care system and empower them to choose quality, affordable care. The Oscar member experience includes a personalized concierge team that helps members do everything from finding a doctor to processing a claim, a 24/7 Doctor on Call service for members on the go, and a tightly integrated, curated network of first-rate physicians and hospitals. Members can easily access their health history and account information via hioscar.com and our iOS and Android apps. Say hi or learn more at https://hioscar.com or follow us at https://twitter.com/OscarHealth.

 About Montefiore Health System

Montefiore Health System is one of New York’s premier academic health systems and is a recognized leader in providing exceptional quality and personalized, accountable care to approximately three million people in communities across the Bronx, Westchester and the Hudson Valley. It is comprised of 10 hospitals, including the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and more than 200 outpatient ambulatory care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at its medical school, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. From the Montefiore-Einstein Centers of Excellence in cancer, cardiology and vascular care, pediatrics, and transplantation, to its preeminent school-based health program, Montefiore is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system providing coordinated, comprehensive care to patients and their families. For more information please visit www.montefiore.org. Follow us on Twitter and view us on Facebook and YouTube.