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News Release

New Individual Market Plan, Balance by Medica, Introduced in Springfield Area, Southwestern Missouri

MINNETONKA, Minn. — Medica today announced a new health plan option for individuals and families in the Springfield area and southwestern Missouri. The plan, Balance by Medica℠ delivered by Mercy, is the result of a relationship between Medica and Mercy. By teaming up, the organizations have created an insurance plan for individuals and families focused on getting the highest quality care at an affordable price.

People interested in Balance by Medica can enroll in the plan starting Nov. 1, 2020 when the Open Enrollment Period for 2021 begins. A variety of benefit design options are available, including copay plans, health savings account compatible plans, and a catastrophic plan for those who qualify. Enrollment in the plan is available through the Health Insurance Marketplace (www.healthcare.gov) for coverage on or after Jan. 1, 2021. More information about the plan is available at www.medica.com/IFP.

Balance by Medica is available to residents of the following counties: Barry, Cedar, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Greene, Hickory, Howell, Jasper, Laclede, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton, Polk, Saint Clair, Stone, Texas, Vernon, Webster and Wright.

In the Springfield area, the Balance by Medica provider network includes about 1,800+ primary care and specialty physicians, 14 hospitals, home health services and Mercy Convenient Care clinics. Members have direct access to Mercy, Citizens Memorial Hospital, Ozarks Medical Center, Select Specialty Hospital –Springfield and Texas County Memorial Hospital among others.

In Missouri, the Balance by Medica provider network includes about 2,500 primary care and specialty physicians, 21 hospitals, home health services and Mercy Convenient Care clinics. Members have direct access to Mercy, Cedar County Memorial Hospital, Citizens Memorial Hospital, Girard Medical Center, Landmark Hospital of Joplin, Ozarks Medical Center, Select Specialty Hospital –Springfield and Texas County Memorial Hospital among others.

Balance by Medica also is available in the Oklahoma City area. Altogether, the network includes about 5,500 primary care and specialty providers and more than 30 hospitals. In addition to the providers in southwest Missouri, members have direct access to providers in Oklahoma including: Mercy, Oklahoma Heart Hospital and OU Medicine among others.

A complex specialty care program featuring Mayo Clinic is available and includes an allowance for transportation, lodging and living expenses in certain cases.

Balance by Medica features the Healthy Living with Medica program, a personalized wellness program with reward and discounts earned for participation. The plan also includes the Ovia Health app for expectant parents, which provides personalized clinically-based guidance and support for the parenthood journey. Members also have access to a Health Advocate, an individual who helps members address health care concerns and can do the legwork to help identify appropriate providers and find answers to questions about claims, costs, procedures and other health matters.

"Medica is pleased to offer coverage for the high quality care that Mercy provides," said Geoff Bartsh, Medica senior vice president for individual and family business." Medica is committed to making care more efficient and accessible and Balance by Medica does that by providing a seamless care experience through our relationship with Mercy."

Said Craig McCoy, president of Mercy Springfield Communities: "The pandemic has caused a greater need for health care coverage at the very same time many are finding themselves out of work and without employer-provided plans. We're so pleased Medica is entering the Health Insurance Marketplace with an affordable plan to keep our community covered. I encourage those who need coverage to take a look."