UniCare to Offer HMO Options for Chicagoland Small Businesses

CHICAGO, Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- UniCare Health Plans of the Midwest, Inc. (UniCare) has introduced new HMO Plans, designed specifically to fit the budgets of small businesses in the Chicago metro area. The new plans will become effective November 1, 2008.

A recent survey by the National Federation of Independent Business, a small business advocacy group, revealed that the cost of health insurance is the number one concern of small business owners.

"UniCare understands the challenging economic times facing small businesses," said Jimmy Lee, vice president and general manager of UniCare. "This plan is an affordable answer to that challenge, with coverage that will help protect employees from the costs of health emergencies, and help shield the employer from the costs associated with lost time and decreased productivity."

UniCare's Small Group Illinois HMO Plans are available for businesses with 2 to 99 employees, with premiums starting at less than $90 for a healthy, single male living in the Chicago area, no annual deductible and office visit co-pays as low as $10. The Small Group Illinois HMO Plans also offer:

     -- Two network options     -- Three plan options with different office visit, inpatient and emergency        co-pay levels     -- Two prescription drug plan options     -- Mail order prescription drug coverage     -- Preventive care coverage     -- 100 percent in-network coverage for eligible services  

Applications, eligibility and benefit information can be found at www.unicare.com .

      Media Contact:  Tony Felts                     317-287-6036  

Coverage is provided by UniCare Health Plans of the Midwest, Inc. (HMO in IN & IL only) (R) Registered mark of WellPoint, Inc.

SOURCE UniCare Health Plans of the Midwest, Inc.