Posted September 01, 2025 by Anupreet Kaur, M.D., FAAFP, Medical Director, Care Management and Population Health
As we age, hearing loss can become a significant challenge, impacting daily conversations, social interactions and emotional well-being. Fortunately, Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans often include coverage for hearing aids and related services, giving you the advantage of getting the coverage you need without the cost of supplemental coverage. A downright game-changer, if you ask us! And something you can’t get on an Original Medicare plan.
Posted May 22, 2025 by Anupreet Kaur, M.D., FAAFP, Medical Director, Care Management and Population Health
Spring is a season of fresh starts and, of course, catching up on some much-needed spring cleaning. The warmer temperatures and sunshine spring brings are a breath of fresh air after a long winter.
However, spring cleaning shouldn’t be reserved only for your home; your health and health insurance can benefit, too. Organizing your health insurance to maximize coverage ensures your plan is working to help keep you in tip-top shape.
From choosing in-network providers...
Posted April 10, 2025 by Matt Baker, Director of Sales
Your mid-20s are a time of significant growth and independence as a young adult, establishing your career and exploring life’s options. Unfortunately, it’s also the time you age out of your parents’ health insurance.
The Affordable Care Act requires that health insurers allow young adults to stay on their parents’ insurance plan until they turn 26 years old. But then what?
Fortunately, you have several options and some time to consider them....
Posted April 03, 2025 by Matt Baker - Director of Sales
Posted January 16, 2025 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
Dorothy said it right in The Wizard of Oz: “There’s no place like home!” It comes as no surprise that most aging adults want to stay in their homes and maintain independence for as long as possible.
Unfortunately, maintaining a home and remaining safe in it becomes more and more challenging as we age due to declining vision or hearing, reduced muscle mass and physical endurance, problems with balance or other increasing health concerns.
Depending...
Posted December 05, 2024 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
Choosing a Medicare Advantage healthcare plan can be stressful — but it doesn’t have to be. Rather than going it alone, connect with a Medicare Advantage advisor who can walk you through your options and help you choose the plan that’s right for you.
Already have coverage? Medicare Advantage advisors can help you better understand your plan plus offer tips on ways to use your benefits to their fullest potential.
Think of your Medicare Advantage...
Posted December 02, 2024 by Matt Baker, Director of Sales
‘Tis the season for the Open Enrollment Period (OEP). If you recently lost your health insurance, need to bridge the gap before qualifying for Medicare, your employer doesn’t offer group coverage, or you’re simply looking to switch plans, this season is for you.
This is the time when individuals and families can sign up for private health insurance, adjust their current plan or cancel.
Even if you have health insurance and are happy with your...
Posted October 22, 2024 by H. Kelley Riley M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
It’s that time of year again when the leaves change color, temperatures turn cooler and the Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins. AEP runs from October 15 through December 7 every year.
Rather than simply letting your Medicare Advantage plan renew automatically at the beginning of each year, it’s a good idea to review it to make sure it’s still meeting your needs. And if it isn’t, this is the time to make changes. If you miss...
Posted August 08, 2024 by H. Kelley Riley, M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
Navigating health insurance can be tricky. Myths that frequent the insurance landscape can make it worse by leading to unnecessary confusion. However, with the right information and guidance, you can make informed decisions in protecting you, and if applicable, your family’s health.
SummaCare debunks six common health insurance myths so you can make an educated plan decision. Because the fact is: Health insurance is necessary and it’s not a one-size-fits-all...
Posted July 25, 2024 by Matthew Baker, Director of Sales
Thinking about early retirement? Before you take that leap…looking into what health insurance options may be available to you is one of the most important topics to consider—especially if you retire before you’re eligible for Medicare.
Healthcare costs can add up fast, especially if you’re uninsured or have inadequate coverage. What’s more, as we age more health challenges tend to surface and access to quality, affordable health care...
Posted June 06, 2024 by H. Kelley Riley M.D., MBA, Chief Medical Officer
We get it. Health insurance can be very confusing. There are many moving parts, lots of terms (and acronyms) to understand, different plans and coverage can work a little bit differently and there are many ways to get it.
Nevertheless, health insurance is vital to help you pay for your healthcare costs. Just like car and home insurance, it provides crucial financial protection if you need care, are involved in a severe accident or become seriously ill. If you end up...
Posted April 25, 2024 by Anne Armao, Vice President of Member Experience & Product Development
Have you ever thought about what some of your favorite sounds are? Some individuals may say it’s a loved one’s voice or their laugh. Others might note a favorite piece of music as their most pleasing sound. The relaxing sounds of the ocean or rustling leaves in the fall may top other people’s lists of favorite sounds.
After taking a moment to think about those auditory pleasures, would you be willing to give any of them up? Probably not &...
Posted February 16, 2023 by Steve Chrzanowski, Director, Group Retention & Sales Support
It’s no secret that healthcare needs aren’t one size fits all, so healthcare plans shouldn’t be either. What’s vital to one person may not be a priority for another. That’s why there are so many health insurance products available for employers to choose from. SummaCare has been in business in the Akron and surrounding communities for 30 years. We know that health insurance coverage can be a deciding factor for prospective employees which is why...
Posted November 23, 2022 by Sue Crawford
Did you recently lose your health insurance? Does your employer not offer health insurance, or are you just looking to switch? Do you need to bridge the gap before qualifying for Medicare?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, SummaCare is here to help.
We offer insurance options for individuals and families who do not have access to group coverage, don’t yet qualify for Medicare or make too much money for Medicaid. For nearly 30 years, we’re proud to...
Posted November 10, 2022 by Julie Sich
SummaCare is proud to share our 2023 Medicare Advantage Plan recently earned a 5-Star Rating (out of five stars) from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This is an increase from our 4.5-Star Rating in 2022, which underscores our hard work, dedication and commitment to providing high-quality products and services to our Medicare members just like you.
Each year, CMS releases star ratings that deliver important information about the quality and performance of...
Posted October 13, 2022 by Sue Crawford
SummaCare is committed to contributing to a healthy community by guiding members to be the healthiest versions of themselves. That’s why we take pride in going beyond basic Medicare with valuable extra benefits designed to fit your different needs to reach optimal health.
Every year, we are pleased to add Medicare Advantage extra benefits and enhancements to our plans — and this year is no different.
We’re thrilled to introduce our new Medicare Advantage plan...
Posted July 01, 2022 by Julie Sich
Having trouble deciding which Medicare Advantage plan is right for you? Whether you’re enrolling for the first time or considering a change, look no further than the Medicare Advantage Star Rating system.
Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) release star ratings that deliver important information about the quality and performance of specific plans to help Medicare eligible individuals compare them. Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription...
Posted June 08, 2022 by Sue Crawford, Vice President, Sales and Market Development
Whether you’re just turning 65 and newly eligible for Medicare or you’re simply looking to enhance your current Medicare coverage, there are key things to consider when weighing your options for a Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare Advantage plans offer everything that original Medicare covers, but adds extra benefits and services. Those extras could include coverage for dental, vision, hearing aids, over-the-counter items, gym memberships, rides to your doctor and...
Posted April 13, 2022 by Anupreet Kaur, M.D., FAAFP, Medical Director, Care Management and Population Health
Catching on to insurance lingo can feel a little bit like learning a new language. Words like “copay, coinsurance and deductible” are common terms, but many wonder what do they mean and how does health insurance work?
Posted March 18, 2022 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
As the snow begins to melt and buds appear, it’s that time of year for the annual Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers & Systems (CAHPS) survey. Set to distribute in late March, the survey plays an integral role in how the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) measures the quality of health care services and determines how to improve health care across the country.
Posted February 10, 2022 by Sue Crawford, Vice President, Sales and Market Development.
Dates play a critical part in our lives. From birthdays to vacation times to doctor appointments, we mark important dates on our calendars. Recording Medicare Advantage enrollment periods on your calendar should be important, too.
Posted January 27, 2022 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
SummaCare is proud to share that our 2022 Medicare Advantage Plan recently earned a 4.5 Star Rating (out of 5) from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). This is an increase from our 4-Star Rating in 2021, which underscores our hard work, dedication and commitment to providing high-quality service to our Medicare members.
Each year, CMS releases star ratings that deliver important information about the quality of specific plans to help people selecting Medicare...
Posted November 11, 2021 by Sue Titterington Vice President, Sales & Market Development
If you’re eligible for Medicare and are a Veteran, you’re probably receiving a lot of information from Medicare plans since we’re now in the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP.) The AEP is from October 15 through December 7 and this is when most Medicare-eligibles select their coverage for the coming year.
Posted November 01, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
Shopping for health insurance? If you don’t have health insurance through your employer, don’t yet qualify for Medicare or make too much money for Medicaid, SummaCare is here to help.
Posted October 01, 2021 by Sue Titterington Vice President, Sales & Market Development
It’s that time of year again when the leaves change color, temperatures turn cooler and the annual Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) begins. From October 15 through December 7, 2021 is when most Medicare eligibles can select their Medicare coverage for 2022.
Posted March 25, 2021 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Office
A drug formulary is a list of all drugs, both generic and brand name, that are covered by your health plan. The purpose of the drug formulary is to direct members to the least costly medication that is most effective in treating their condition.
So whether you are taking prescription drugs temporarily for an infection or you take them regularly for a chronic illness, it’s important to understand your heath plan’s drug formulary so you’re prescribed a covered...
Posted February 24, 2021 by Anne Armao Vice President of Member Experience and Product Development
As part of the pandemic’s toll, millions of Americans have lost their jobs and their employer-sponsored health coverage. The window to sign up for your own individual or family plan closed on December 15.
Good news! Starting February 15, consumers seeking health insurance may be able to take advantage of this Special Election Period. Find out if you are eligible by visiting summacare.com/individual or by calling us. The SEP is being offered from February 15...
Posted December 03, 2020 by Charles A. Zonfa, MD, FACOG | Chief Medical Officer
If you suffer a catastrophic accident, become terminally ill or are in a coma that leaves you unconscious or unable to speak, how can you make sure your medical wishes are known? Advance directives are your answer.
Advance directives are written instructions to your loved ones and health-care providers about the type of medical care you would like to receive should you not be able to communicate them. They are important tools that help reduce confusion and disagreements about...
Posted November 19, 2020 by Anne Armao VP, Medicare & Individual Products and Sales
No employer health coverage? No problem.
If you don’t have health insurance coverage through an employer, Medicare, Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), you can still protect yourself with an Individual & Family plan.
What should you look for in an Individual & Family plan?
Access to care is crucial. Be sure the plan you choose includes your doctors and preferred hospitals in their network and that the drugs...
Posted October 18, 2020
Born at Summa Health System-Akron Campus, Bill is literally a born and raised Northeast Ohio native. That gives him a unique perspective on our local market and the people who live and work here. However, his 30-year healthcare delivery and health plan experience extends far beyond his roots.
His deep experience will serve him well as he tackles the challenges of the ever-evolving healthcare delivery system. “I think the diversity of my...
Posted October 05, 2020 by Anne Armao VP, Medicare & Individual Products and Sales
Maybe you’re just turning 65 and newly eligible for Medicare coverage. Maybe you’re a Medicare “veteran” and looking to enhance your original Medicare coverage with a Medicare Advantage plan. There are key things to consider when weighing your options.
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage Plans
A Medicare Advantage (MA) plan offers everything you get with original Medicare but adds to that coverage with money-saving extras. Depending on the one you...