Geisinger Health Plan announces Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage plans for 2022

Geisinger Health Plan (GHP) announced its Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage plans for 2022 with benefits designed to make better health easier for its members and premiums starting as low as $0 per month.

Medicare’s annual enrollment period begins Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7, 2021. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can make changes to their current coverage for 2022.

Geisinger Gold plans are available in 44 counties in Pennsylvania and include cost-saving features and wellness programs not available with original Medicare, such as prescription drug coverage, fitness, dental, hearing and vision benefits.

“Geisinger Gold members have access to the extra services and programs that make managing their health easier and more affordable,” said Kurt Wrobel, Geisinger Health Plan president and executive vice president of insurance operations. “Whether it’s by managing high blood pressure and arthritis pain, getting preventive cancer screenings, saving thousands of dollars a year on insulin or getting your prescriptions delivered right to your door, Geisinger Gold helps our members get the most out of their Medicare Advantage plan to live healthier lives.”

GHP members have access to more than 29,000 doctors and 100 hospitals across Pennsylvania, as well as virtual visits with their primary care physician, urgent care, mental health and substance abuse services, with copays starting at $0.

By enrolling in Geisinger’s mail-order pharmacy, members can save up to 50% on prescription copays and have their medications mailed directly to their home. Geisinger Gold members can use this service to order a three-month supply of select insulin for $52.50.

Geisinger Gold Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans also include:

  • Vaccines covered at $0
  • Prescription drug copays as low as $0
  • Monthly allowance on over-the-counter healthcare products
  • Global emergency and urgent coverage up to $100,000
  • Up to $650 annual allowance for dental care
  • Additional $500 flexible spending card to supplement dental, vision and hearing coverage

Additionally, only Geisinger Gold members have access to Geisinger 65 Forward, a program designed exclusively for people 65 and older with everything they need under one roof. Geisinger at Home, which brings healthcare directly to people in their own homes, is also only available to eligible Geisinger Gold members.

Supported by a locally based customer care team, GHP was ranked first in member satisfaction among commercial health plans in Pennsylvania for the second year in a row in the J.D. Power 2021 Commercial Health Plan Study.

Geisinger’s trusted Medicare advisors are available to answer questions, compare plans and costs and help navigate the enrollment process virtually, by phone or in person. For more information, visit geisinger.org/enroll or call 855-904-0153, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Geisinger Physician Helps Afghan Evacuees

When Afghani Roshan, M.D. learned that planes carrying evacuees from Afghanistan were headed to Philadelphia, she instantly knew she had to help. The Geisinger Wyoming Valley emergency medicine physician was raised in a Pashto-speaking household. Her parents and older siblings escaped Afghanistan in the early 1980s under circumstances much like today’s evacuees. Having grown up hearing their stories, Dr. Roshan felt the least she could do was welcome frightened and weary people to the U.S. in their own language.

Dr. Roshan reached out to the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Medical Reserve Corps to offer her linguistic services, but once they learned she was a physician, they quickly asked her to help organize and run the medical operation at the Philadelphia International Airport. For the last few weeks, Dr. Roshan was often one of the first faces countless evacuees saw upon landing in the U.S.

“My parents and siblings are delighted and proud that I am able to help. They have always looked for ways they can pay it forward,” she said, adding that she has found it to be personally rewarding even through small acts such as greeting the evacuees, “I greet them in a Pashto phrase which translates to ‘Welcome, I hope you arrived safely.’ This takes them by surprise but allows them to open up and smile. It brings me joy to see the little ones running around the airport and to know that they have more opportunities here. I hope that by seeing an Afghan American female physician, they recognize that they also have the opportunity to fulfill their dreams and aspirations.”

Booster doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine available at Geisinger

Following recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Geisinger is offering booster doses of the Pfizer (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccine for people who are eligible.

Those eligible for a booster include people who have received their two doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, and:

  • Are age 65 and older
  • Are a long-term care resident
  • Are age 18 to 64 with an underlying medical condition that puts them at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19
  • Are age 18 to 64 and have a job that puts them at increased risk of being exposed to COVID-19

People can get their booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine beginning six months after receiving their second dose.

If you’re unsure if you qualify for the booster or have any specific questions, contact your doctor.

The booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is the same dosage (0.3 milliliters) as the first and second vaccine doses. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine received full FDA approval in late August. 

Anyone who has received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is not eligible for a booster vaccine at this time, according to the CDC.

You can make an appointment for a booster COVID-19 vaccine at Geisinger through MyGeisinger or by calling 570-284-3657. Appointments are available at the vaccine centers at the Geisinger Health Plan Building near Danville, Geisinger CenterPoint in Jenkins Township, Geisinger Jersey Shore Hospital and Geisinger Lewistown Hospital. Appointments are also available at Geisinger Philipsburg and Geisinger Pharmacy locations in Dallas, Danville, Lewistown, Lock Haven, Mount Pocono, Pottsville, State College and Scranton.

Remember to bring your COVID-19 vaccine card or proof of having received the vaccine to your appointment. More information about the COVID-19 vaccine is available at Geisinger.org/COVIDVax.

As a reminder, no visitors are permitted for outpatient appointments, unless medically necessary, and masks must be worn by everyone in all Geisinger buildings and facilities.

Geisinger Hospitals Going Pink This October

A study funded by the American Cancer Society found that annual mammograms substantially reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer. The study, published in the journal Radiology, comes at a critical time, as a staggering number of women have missed their regular mammogram over the past 18 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This October, in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness month, Geisinger is doing its part to raise awareness about the importance of early breast cancer detection. Geisinger hospitals across Central Pennsylvania will be lit pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the millions of people and families who have battled and are battling the disease.

All Geisinger Health Plan members will receive a pair of pink socks in the mail to remind them and their loved ones to schedule their annual mammograms. Geisinger is also sending automated phone messages that connect members with its customer care team for easy mammogram scheduling.

“Mammography detects breast cancer early, before symptoms become obvious. Mammograms can also detect benign (non-cancerous) breast disease such as cysts and fibroadenomas. The American College of Radiology and other leading health groups have determined that the most lives are saved with annual mammograms beginning at age 40. Your doctor may recommend starting earlier if you have a family history or other risk factors.” said Dr. Rosemary Leeming, director of the Breast Program, Geisinger.

In 2019, Geisinger unveiled its mobile mammography unit, and the pink bus will continue to help patients in underserved areas this year – a convenient way to schedule mammogram appointments.

“This October, let us all remember the loved ones we have lost to breast cancer, support those in treatment, and reaffirm our commitment to raising awareness on the importance of early detection of breast cancer in our communities,” added Dr. Leeming.

For more information on mammograms and breast cancer care, visit geisinger.org/breastcare to schedule your mammogram. 

Geisinger Opens Kidney Care Clinic in Northeast PA

  • Atul Bali, M.D.
  • Manoj Das, M.D.

People in northeastern Pennsylvania can get kidney care closer to home with the opening of Geisinger Nephrology Wilkes-Barre. Atul Bali, M.D., and Manoj Das, M.D., are now providing nephrology services at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center near Wilkes-Barre.

With the new Geisinger Nephrology Wilkes-Barre facility nearby, NEPA residents no longer need to travel to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville for their care. Drs. Bali and Das provide a wide range of kidney care services to adults, including inpatient and outpatient consultations, diagnosis and treatment of kidney disorders. They monitor patients with advanced-stage kidney disease and provide consultation, care and management for conditions including chronic kidney disease, renal diseases and more.

To schedule an appointment at Geisinger Nephrology Wilkes-Barre, call 570-808-4047 or visit geisinger.org/KidneyCare.

Geisinger Life Flight reaches 40 years of life-saving service

This year, Geisinger is honoring 40 years of providing life-saving critical care. What started as a single-aircraft operation at Geisinger Medical Center in 1981 has grown to a nine-aircraft operation, with six bases, two critical care grounds trucks, a crew of 150, and more than 75,000 transports completed across northeastern and central Pennsylvania. Since 2001, Life Flight 3, based at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, has been a crucial part of the Life Flight program.  

This month, we invite you to consider covering this milestone in local medical history. Current and former Geisinger Life Flight leaders, current crews, and patients are willing to share their stories of how the Life Flight program has impacted medical care locally and helped to save lives. Geisinger also continues investing in the program, with the addition of its latest helicopter, which recently went into service this summer.

Geisinger Receives Grant to Develop Diagnostic Tool for Genetic Disorders

A team of Geisinger researchers has been awarded a $5 million grant from the National Institute of Health’s National Human Genome Research Institute to develop a tool that will allow healthcare providers to diagnose a genetic basis for select medical conditions in real time.

Determining that a medical condition has a genetic basis can have a significant impact on the course of treatment. The proposed High Impact Phenotype Identification System (HIPIS) will shorten the time between onset of symptoms and discovery of a genetic basis for 13 medical conditions, improving patient care and outcomes.

“Complex diseases frustrate patients and create a burden on healthcare systems through multiple hospitalizations and frequent testing,” said Marc Williams, M.D., professor at Geisinger’s Genomic Medicine Institute and principal investigator for the project. “Enabling physicians to access genetic information in real time could prevent much of this burden by eliminating the gap between onset of symptoms and genetic diagnosis.”

The research team has identified 13 “high-impact” conditions with a high likelihood of having a genetic basis or for which a genetic diagnosis would significantly affect or alter management of the condition. These include pediatric epilepsy, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and congenital kidney disease, among others.

An analysis of Geisinger’s electronic health records showed that the average time from symptom onset for one of these conditions to diagnosis as a genetic condition is 3.5 years, and in some cases can take up to 12 years. This delay in genetic diagnosis can affect the patient’s treatment and overall health outcomes.

Working alongside experts in each specialty, researchers will develop models that can identify patients with documented clinical signs and symptoms of these high-impact conditions and allow healthcare providers to screen for and diagnose a genetic basis in real time. The team will also analyze clinical workflow to determine the best points at which to present genetic information to providers.

“This project is a compelling example of something we do well at Geisinger – using robust genomic and clinical data to help make better health easy for our patients,” said Adam Buchanan, M.S., M.P.H., associate professor and director of Geisinger’s Genomic Medicine Institute.

Geisinger has an exciting research environment with more than 50 full-time research faculty and more than 30 clinician scientists. Areas of expertise include precision health, genomics, informatics, data science, implementation science, outcomes research, health services research, bioethics and clinical trials.

New President and Dean of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

Dr. Julie Byerly, M.D., M.P.H

Geisinger announced that Julie Byerley, M.D., M.P.H., will serve as the new president and dean of the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM), executive vice president and chief academic officer, effective January 1, 2022. She succeeds Steven Scheinman, M.D., who has served as the president and dean of the college since 2012. Scheinman is set to retire at the end of this year.

“I am thrilled to announce Julie Byerley as our school’s next president and dean,” said Jaewon Ryu, M.D., J.D., president and CEO of Geisinger. “In addition to being a highly respected leader in education and her many career accomplishments, Dr. Byerley’s passion for academic excellence, research, and teaching will be critical to helping us realize our vision: to make better health easier for the communities we serve. We couldn’t be more excited to have her join our team and lead GCSOM into the future.”

“We’re confident Dr. Byerley will work to assure the quality of GCSOM’s educational programs and accreditation that will not only ground students with the very best in healthcare education, research and innovation, but will instill her passion for patient outcomes that will ultimately benefit our communities for generations to follow,” said Virginia McGregor, chair of the GCSOM board. “We want to thank Dr. Scheinman for his leadership throughout the years and vision in growing GCSOM from a small community institution into the nationally respected medical school it is today. We look forward to working with Dr. Byerley to continue this tradition of excellence at GCSOM and to build upon the foundation that Dr. Scheinman helped us establish.”

“I’m honored and ecstatic to be joining as the new president and dean of GCSOM and Geisinger’s chief academic officer,” said Dr. Byerley. “The school has a well-known national reputation for being innovative, community centric and patient focused while providing hands-on education and training that prepares students for careers in healthcare. And our research institution has long been recognized as one of the most groundbreaking teams in medicine utilizing population and patient-based data. I am eager to serve and work closely with students, staff, researchers and faculty to further the success of the school, our research environment and all of the academic and training programs that we offer to make better health easier for everyone our students, alumni and researchers will impact throughout their careers.”

As the new dean, Byerley will provide visionary leadership for GCSOM, assuring excellence, innovation, and a focus on learners, patients, and the promotion of health. She will continue to establish GCSOM as a leader in the industry and model the community service mission of the organization.

In addition to her GCSOM responsibilities, as chief academic officer, Dr. Byerley will leverage her experience from a world-class academic and research institution at the University of North Carolina (UNC) to also oversee the management of educational experiences for learners throughout Geisinger, including graduate medical education, nursing, pharmacy, advanced practitioners and other health professions.

She will also be responsible for overseeing Geisinger’s world-renowned research environment that includes more than 50 full-time research faculty and more than 30 clinician investigators responsible for groundbreaking medical advancements like the MyCode Precision Health Initiative and more. Geisinger’s areas of research expertise span precision health, genomics, informatics, data science, implementation science, outcomes research, health services research, bioethics and participation in hundreds of clinical trials each year.

Byerley has been with the UNC School of Medicine since 2002, serving recently as vice dean for academic affairs where she oversaw the school’s educational enterprise and the Office of Faculty Affairs and Leadership Development. Since January 2021 she has served as interim dean of the UNC Adams School of Dentistry.

Byerley earned her bachelor’s degree in physics and a teaching certificate from Rhodes College and attended medical school at Duke University. She completed her pediatrics residency and chief residency at UNC-Chapel Hill where she also earned a master’s degree in public health with a focus on maternal and child health.

Geisinger Raises Minimum Pay Rate

Geisinger is strengthening its commitment to its employees as it builds on its robust benefits packages and career development offerings by raising its minimum pay rate to $15 per hour for current and future employees, effective Sept. 26.

In addition to its competitive pay, Geisinger regularly invests in its employees by offering comprehensive employee benefits, including affordable healthcare coverage that starts on an employee’s first day of employment, contributions toward retirement, tuition reimbursement, career development programs and more.

“By investing in our Geisinger family, we’re investing in our patients, members and the communities we serve,” said Brion Lieberman, Geisinger’s chief human resources officer. “Increasing our minimum hiring rate, along with our other employee benefits, shows our ongoing commitment to our dedicated employees and increases our ability to attract talented candidates to fulfill our mission of making better health easier.”

In 2019, the health system also unveiled paid parental and military leave benefits. These benefits further supported employees by providing greater flexibility in balancing their commitment to their families and service to our country.

This most recent investment in raising the organization’s minimum wage positively impacts current employees and those joining the organization. The largest employee groups benefiting include nursing assistants, food service workers, medical assistants, and patient access representatives, among others.

To learn more about career opportunities or to apply for a job opening at Geisinger, visit jobs.geisinger.org.

Geisinger offering Super Saturday flu shot clinics

The best defense against getting the flu is by getting a flu shot. This year, Geisinger is making it easier to get one by hosting three Super Saturday flu vaccine events through October.

Select Geisinger community medicine offices are hosting drive-thru flu shot events for patients and Geisinger Health Plan members ages 3 and older. Select Geisinger 65 Forward Health Centers are also offering walk-in or drive-thru flu vaccine events for patients and Geisinger Health Plan members age 65 and older.

All Super Saturday flu vaccine events are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The additional Super Saturdays are October 2 and October 16.

“While we had a relatively mild flu season last year, we cannot let our guard down against the flu this year,” said Stanley Martin, M.D., Geisinger director of infectious diseases. “This year it’s going to be critical for everyone who is able to be vaccinated against the flu to help keep unnecessary flu hospitalizations to a minimum. Getting your flu vaccine is the best way to do that.”

Flu season generally begins in late October and runs through May. Getting vaccinated early in the season is the best defense to keep yourself and those around you flu-free, Martin said.

There are 23 Geisinger community medicine offices hosting the drive thru flu events, including:

  • Geisinger Bellefonte (819 E. Bishop St.)
  • Geisinger Berwick (2200 W. Front St.)
  • Geisinger Bloomsburg Reichart Road (2407 Reichart Road)
  • Geisinger Dallas Family Practice (114 Lt. Michael Cleary Drive)
  • Geisinger Frackville (701 W. Oak St.)
  • Geisinger Healthplex State College (132 Abigail Lane)
  • Geisinger Healthplex Woodbine (16 Woodbine Lane, Danville)
  • Geisinger Kingston (560 Pierce St.)
  • Geisinger Kulpmont (119 Nevada Drive)
  • Geisinger Lewisburg (250 Reitz Blvd.)
  • Geisinger Lewistown Community Medicine (21 Geisinger Lane)
  • Geisinger Lock Haven (68 Spring St.)
  • Geisinger Lycoming (780 Broad St., Montoursville)
  • Geisinger Milton (155 S. Arch St.)
  • Geisinger Moshannon Valley (210 Medical Center Drive, Philipsburg)
  • Geisinger Mountain Top (35 S. Mountain Blvd.)
  • Geisinger Mt. Pleasant (531 Mt. Pleasant Drive, Scranton)
  • Geisinger Mt. Pocono (126 Market Way)
  • Geisinger Orwigsburg (300 Hollywood Blvd.)
  • Geisinger Pittston (42 N. Main St.)
  • Geisinger Pottsville (529 Terry Reiley Way)
  • Geisinger Selinsgrove (201 Roosevelt Ave.)
  • Geisinger Tunkhannock (10 Trible Drive)

There are six Geisinger 65 Forward Health Centers hosting flu events. Drive-thru vaccines are available at:

  • Geisinger 65 Forward Kingston (499 Wyoming Ave.)
  • Geisinger 65 Forward Hazleton (20 Diana Lane, West Hazleton)
  • Geisinger 65 Forward Scranton (3 W. Olive St.)

Walk-in flu vaccines are available at:

  • Geisinger 65 Forward Milton (5170 Route 405)
  • Geisinger 65 Forward Shamokin Dam (30 Baldwin Blvd.)
  • Geisinger 65 Forward Wilkes-Barre (41 S. Main St., Midtown Village)

There’s no need to preregister to get a flu shot. Remember to wear a mask and loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the upper arm.

When arriving at a drive-thru vaccination site, follow all directional signage. You will need to fill out a short electronic form before receiving your flu shot. Remain inside your vehicle next to an opening window, and be aware that staff will not enter vehicles to provide flu shots.

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone age 6 months and older, Martin said. There are certain people who are considered most vulnerable for contracting the flu, including pregnant women, patients with asthma and other respiratory infections, heart and lung conditions, diabetes and anyone over age 65.

Caregivers for children between 6 months and 3 years old, who can’t be vaccinated at the Geisinger primary care drive-thru events, should make an appointment with their pediatrician’s office for a flu shot.

For a full list of Super Saturday flu vaccine events, as well as helpful tips on staying flu free this season, visit geisinger.org/flunews.