We are introducing a great new plan for 2008 that meets the needs of most Medicare beneficiaries who are looking for both healthcare and prescription drug coverage. This new plan is called Sterling Option IV^SM and is part of the Sterling family of insurance products underwritten by Sterling Life Insurance Company.

With this option, Medicare beneficiaries can buy plans from insurance companies that cover both Medicare-covered services and enhanced coverage. The company you choose will be paid by Medicare to provide coverage for your Medicare benefits. You’ll continue to pay Part B premiums to Medicare and a premium directly to the insurance company for the plan.

A Medicare Advantage Private Fee-for-Service plan works differently than a Medicare supplement plan. Your doctor or hospital is not required to agree to accept the plan’s terms and conditions, and thus may choose not to treat you, with the exception of emergencies. If your doctor or hospital does not agree to accept our payment terms and conditions, they may choose not to provide health care services to you, except in emergencies. Providers can find the plan's terms and conditions on our website at www.sterlingplans.com (or the direct link to the provider terms and conditions of payment can be found online at: https://secure.sterlingplans.com/providers/pdf/option4tandc.pdf).

Sterling Option IV^SM is a Medicare Advantage Private Fee For Service Plan underwritten by Sterling Life Insurance Company. It features the freedom to choose doctors, hospitals (willing to accept our terms and conditions of payment), see specialists without referral, and travel without losing coverage. The prescription drug portion of the plan includes a network of over 50,000 pharmacies nationwide, more than 3,000 prescription drugs and a mail order pharmacy program, all at an affordable cost. And you’ll still receive full coverage when traveling within the United States and coverage for emergency or urgently needed services outside the U.S. In addition, Sterling Option IV^SM offers an out-of-pocket limit and flexible preventive care benefit.

As part of the Sterling Option IV^SM plan, you will have access to a Sterling Care Coordinator. A Care Coordination Nurse will be there to help you with everyday healthcare questions as well as the more complex issues that can arise from time to time.

Questions on claims, covered benefits or anything related to your Sterling Option IV^SM plan can be handled by our experienced Customer Service Specialists.

When you present your Sterling Card, most claims will be handled electronically. Imagine, virtually no cumbersome paperwork!

If you need more information, just give us a call @ 1-888-858-8572 to request a callback from your local Licensed Sterling Representative. Again, there is no obligation. It’s just another way to add to your education on the changing world of Medicare.

If you would like to sign up for the Sterling Option IV^SM plan, simply click the "back" button to return to the application process.

Sterling Option IV^SM is a Medicare Advantage Private Fee For Service Plan offered by Sterling Life Insurance Company, a Medicare Advantage Organization contracting with the Federal Government. Anyone entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled in Medicare Part B may apply. Enrollees must continue to pay their Medicare Part B monthly premium and live in the Sterling Option IV^SM service area. Copayments and the plan premium apply.