Physicians Health Choice


Physicians Health Choice is a physician-owned Medicare Advantage Organization contracted with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Founded by George M. Rapier III, MD, Physicians Health Choice evolved from WellMed Medical Management and offers health plans in Arkansas, Florida, New Mexico and Texas.

History

PHC was officially introduced in two Texas markets in 2005. Corpus Christi and Austin were the first areas that the health plan became available. In subsequent years other markets were added. Between 2006 and 2008, surrounding Amarillo counties, as well as area El Paso counties, and Cameron County located in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas were introduced as service areas. Counties surrounding Las Cruces, New Mexico were also added during this period. In 2009, several areas outside of Texas will become available including counties surrounding Little Rock, AR and at least two counties in eastern Florida. The Medicare Advantage Plan is currently operating in these markets:
On April 13, 2010, it was announced that PHC of Florida, a Physicians Health Choice subsidiary, had acquired Florida's Citrus Health Care. Citrus Health serves 10,000 Medicare Advantage members and 44,000 Medicaid plan participants.
Currently Physicians Health Choice is owned by United HealthCare Insurance Co.
On January 1, 2014, Physicians Health Choice will change its name to AARP MedicareComplete.

Awards

In October 2009, HealthMetrix Research awarded Physicians Health Choice its 2010 Senior Choice Gold Award for the Austin, Corpus Christi, and Rio Grande Valley areas in Texas, the Little Rock area in Arkansas, and the Las Cruces area in New Mexico. The award criteria were based on 2010 benefits and cost-sharing approved by Medicare. The 2010 Senior Choice Gold Award recipients were selected from over 200 Medicare managed care plans.