Leading Five-Star Health Plan to Offer Comprehensive Services to Chicagoland Medicare Beneficiaries Beginning This Fall

Essence Healthcare, a leading Medicare Advantage plan provider, today announced it will offer its healthcare plans in the Chicago area, starting this fall. The health plan’s entry into the local market will enable Medicare beneficiaries in Chicago to access Essence Healthcare’s comprehensive, patient-centered plans that emphasize preventive care and wellness programs.

Beginning with Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 through December 7, Essence Healthcare will offer Chicagoland beneficiaries plans with access to a broad network of healthcare providers, including Endeavor Health, University of Chicago Medical and Duly Health and Care, among others, and an array of services.

Founded in 2004 and headquartered in St. Louis, Essence Healthcare has a reputation for its innovative approach to care and focus on patient-centered services. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has recognized Essence with an Overall Plan Rating of 5 out of stars for three consecutive years (2022-2024), a testament to the health plan’s commitment to quality, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.*

“At the heart of our health plan is a commitment to enhancing healthcare access and quality for seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries,” said Jordan Reigel, President of Essence Healthcare. “We are dedicated to enabling access to high-quality healthcare, working closely with local providers to positively impact the health and well-being of Chicagoland Medicare beneficiaries."

Essence Healthcare was founded with a mission to improve healthcare quality and accessibility. Over its 20-year existence, Essence has become a trusted name in the healthcare industry, known for its innovative approaches and patient-first philosophy.

Medicare beneficiaries in Chicagoland interested in learning more about Essence’s Medicare Advantage plans can visit www.essencehealthcare.com or call 1-866-509-5398 (TTY:711) starting October 1.†

About Essence Healthcare:

Essence Healthcare is a leading provider of Medicare Advantage plans, committed to delivering high-quality, affordable healthcare services. Founded in 2004, Essence Healthcare serves thousands of members across multiple regions focusing on improving healthcare outcomes and enhancing patient experiences. To learn more about Essence Healthcare, visit www.essencehealthcare.com.

*Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5‑star rating system. Star ratings may vary by contract or market. For plan years 2022–2024, plans under Essence Healthcare’s H2610 (HMO) contract achieved a 5‑star Overall Plan Rating. Plans under Essence’s H6200 (PPO) contract are too new to be measured for a Star rating.

†You can call from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. You may reach a messaging service on weekends from April 1 through September 30 and holidays. Please leave a message, and your call will be returned the next business day. Essence Healthcare includes HMO and PPO plans with Medicare contracts. Enrollment in Essence Healthcare depends on contract renewal. Other physicians/providers are available in our network.

Molly Johnson molly.johnson@acumen-strategies.com