What Medicare Advantage Plans are accepted by Covenant HealthCare?
Covenant accepts many Medicare advantage plans, but coverage does change from time to time. If there is a question about your personal insurance, Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Supplement coverage, please call Covenant’s Financial Counseling Department.
How do I enroll in a Covenant Medicare Advantage Plan?
Before you join a Medicare Advantage Plan that will provide additional benefits when getting services through Covenant, take the time to find and compare Medicare advantage plans in your area.
Medicare Advantages Plans are different from each other and you need to be sure about the type and amount of coverage you are getting. Once you understand the plan’s rules and costs, here’s how to join:
- Use Medicare’s Plan Finder.
- Visit the plan’s website to see if you can join online. If not, you can fill out a paper enrollment form. Contact the plan to get an enrollment form, fill it out, and return it to the plan. All plans must offer this option.
- Call the plan you want to join. Get your plan’s contact information from a Personalized Search (under General Search), or search by plan name.
When you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you’ll have to give this information:
- Your Medicare number
- Your Part A and/or Part B effective date
- Choose a primary care physician
If you want to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. You must also live in the plan’s service area, and you can’t have End Stage Renal Disease (some exceptions may apply).
If you want to change your Medicare Advantage Plan or prescription drug coverage, you can do so during an annual Open Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7.
When is Medicare Open Enrollment for Covenant HealthCare?
The annual Medicare Open Enrollment period begins on October 15 and continues until December 7. This means for 2020 coverage, open enrollment will run from October 15, 2019, to December 7, 2019. The Sparrow Physicians Medicare Advantage plan will be required to follow the same CMS enrollment guidelines as other Medicare Advantage plans.
During the annual enrollment period (AEP) you can make changes to various aspects of your coverage. For example, you can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or vice versa. You can also switch from one Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to another
Using Medicare Supplements at Covenant HealthCare
Covenant Healthcare accepts all major Medigap, also known as Medicare Supplement plans. In order to determine what you’re financial responsibility is, you should review your summary of benefits for the type of Medicare Supplement plan you have.
For example, if you have a Medicare Supplement Plan G, then you should expect to pay your Part B deductible. If you have a Medicare Supplement Plan N, you should expect to pay your Part B deductible, up to $20 for your primary care copay, and $50 for an ER visit.
Always review your summary of benefits if you have any questions about your Medicare coverage and costs at Covenant.
For general information on Medigap policies, including rules, regulations and governance, Medicare provides comprehensive information to help educate you.
How do I find a Covenant HealthCare agent near me?
There are many health insurance agents and Medicare agents in the areas surrounding the Covenant Healthcare system that can help you with your insurance. Simply google, Medicare Agent Near Me or Health Insurance Agent Near Me and you should see a number of local agents show up. Call more than one to ensure you are working with the right type of agent to help you.
Covenant HealthCare Partners
To extend the scope and reach of health care that Covenant delivers to the community, the organization has partnered with numerous doctors in the Great Lakes Bay Region to form a Physician Hospital Organization (PHO) called Covenant HealthCare Partners, Inc. (CHP).
Patients can choose a doctor through Covenant HealthCare Partners, Inc. and get the healthcare they need in the areas of:
- Family Practice
- Internal Medicine
- Pediatricians
- Allergy/Immunology
- Cardiology
- Cardiothoracic
- Chiropractic Medicine
- Colon/Rectal
- Critical Care
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
- Endocrinology Surgery
- ENT
- Gastroenterology
- General Surgery
- Hospitalists
- Infectious Disease
- Maternal/Fetal Medicine
- Neonatology
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery
- OB/GYN
- Oncology
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopaedics
- Orthopaedic/Trauma
- Pain Management
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Pediatric Neurology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Plastic Surgery
- Physical Rehabilitation & Medicine
- Podiatry
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Radiation Oncology
- Radiology
- Rheumatology
- Sleep Medicine
- Surgical Oncology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Urology
- Vascular Surgery
- Wound Care
Where is Covenant HealthCare System located?
Covenant HealthCare is located in the Great Lakes Bay Region at the heart of central Michigan, comprised of Saginaw, Bay, Midland and Isabella counties.
Covenant HealthCare Main Campus
Covenant Medical Center Cooper
Covenant Medical Center Harrison
Covenant HealthCare 900 Cooper
Covenant HealthCare 800 Cooper
Covenant HealthCare Houghton
Covenant HealthCare Irving
Additional Saginaw Locations
Covenant HealthCare Michigan
Covenant HealthCare Mackinaw
Covenant Radiation Center
Covenant HealthCare Hamilton
Covenant HealthCare Gratiot
Covenant HealthCare State
Bay City Locations
Covenant HealthCare Wilder
Frankenmuth Locations
Covenant HealthCare North Main
MedExpress Locations
MedExpress Saginaw
MedExpress Bay Road
MedExpress Bay City
MedExpress Frankenmuth
MedExpress Hemlock
If You Are Looking for a Physician
You can access Convenant’s physician hospital organization, Covenant HealthCare Partners, to find the right doctor for you. Use the search function or call 1.866.268.3626 for assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To select one of the physicians from the Covenant Medical Group, just select the Covenant Medical Group Physician box when you search.
Covenant Primary Care Locations
Alma
1910 Pine Avenue
Alma, MI 48801
989.463.3101
Bay City
2919 East Wilder Road, Suite 150
Bay City, MI 48706
989.671.5775
Birch Run
8470 Main Street
Birch Run, MI 48415
989.624.7001
Bridgeport
6614 Dixie Highway
Bridgeport, MI 48722
989.583.0145
Frankenmuth
600 N. Main Street, Suite 210
Frankenmuth, MI 48734
989.652.1440
Freeland
7362 Midland Road
Freeland, MI 48632
989.692.7000
Hemlock
16440 Gratiot Road
Hemlock, MI 48626
989.583.0660
Saginaw
1430 N. Center Road
Saginaw, MI 48638
989.249.6960
2429 Trautner Drive
Saginaw, MI 48604
989.790.3697
2970 Pierce Road, Suite 2
Saginaw, MI 48604
989.583.0295
3037 Silverwood Drive
Saginaw, MI 48603
989.792.1895
3400 N. Center Road, Suite 500
Saginaw, MI 48603
989.797.4231
3875 Bay Road, Suite 2N
Saginaw, MI 48603
989.583.5300
3875 Bay Road, Suite 4-S
Saginaw, MI 48603
989.583.5150
835 Midland Road
Saginaw, MI 48638
989.792.1375
8767 Gratiot Road
Saginaw, MI 48609
989.781.1124
Sebawaing
616 Unionville Road
Sebawaing, MI 48759
989.883.9088
West Branch
335 E. Houghton Avenue
West Branch, MI 48661
989.345.3171
Adult patients only
What types of services and facilities does Covenant HealthCare provide?
Bariatric and Metabolic Center
The Covenant weight loss team accepts most forms of insurance for bariatric surgeries. Highly trained surgeons who are fellowship trained and board certified provide the most experienced team of bariatric professionals in the Great Lakes Bay region. Specialties include laparoscopic gastric bypass, laparoscopic vertical sleeve gastrectomy and laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding. The Center has been accredited as a comprehensive facility under the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program of the American College of Surgeons and ASMBS.
Cancer Care
The Covenant Cancer Center is a member of the MD Anderson Cancer Network and is one of the leading cancer centers in the United States. Covenant Cancer Care Center has received national recognition and accreditation:
- Commission on Cancer (CoC)
- American College of Radiology (ACR)
- ACR Designated Lung Cancer Screening Center
- Breast Imaging Center of Excellence Women’s Choice Award America’s Best Breast Center
- National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC)
Cardiology
Offers a full array of cardiac treatment services from diagnosis to recovery and a highly respected wellness program. Covenant can treat structural heart disease, congenital heart disease, cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia (such as atrial fibrillation), peripheral artery disease, or any other heart issue.
Children’s Services
Covenant offers comprehensive children’s services include treatments for autism, pediatric intensive care, neonatal intensive care, emergency pediatric care, pediatric urology, pediatric neurology and rehabilitation services. Daycare at the Covenant Children’s Center is open to both Covenant and non-Covenant families
Covenant Glen Assisted Living
Through assisted living, seniors can choose to live in an independent community or require the skilled care of a nursing home. Covenant Glen has 57 apartments and includes amenities such as a common area, activity center, theater, outdoor courtyard, and salon. Staff provides full housekeeping, transportation, three meals per day, medication management and more.
Diabetes and Endocrinology
The Covenant Diabetes Center provides a full spectrum of diabetes care. It is certified through the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH). Patients who receive Medicare benefits, or have other insurance benefits can qualify for annual education in the Covenant Outpatient Diabetes Education Program.
Emergency Care
Providing the only specialized Pediatric and Senior Emergency Care Centers in the region. Also, it is the only Level II Trauma Center verified by the American Academy of Surgeons for both adult and pediatric trauma care. It is staffed by only board-certified emergency physicians and trauma surgeons as well as more nurses with greater specialty training
FastCare
FastCare is convenient, walk-in healthcare option from Covenant professionals at Meijer grocery stores in Saginaw. It provides a variety of services for minor ailments from burns and rashes to sinus infections and sore throats.
Hospice and Home Health
Covenant’s Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) has been bringing the quality care of Covenant HealthCare to area homes for more than 75 years.
Imaging and Diagnostics
The Imaging and Diagnostic Department offers the most advanced radiology imaging equipment and state-of-the-science technology. It is available 24 hours, 7 days a week for inpatient and outpatient testing.
Laboratory Services
The Clinical Laboratory is the largest lab in East Central Michigan, performing more than 650 different types of tests and providing area physicians with more than two million diagnostic results annually. It is staffed by more than 200 professionals at convenient locations throughout the region.
Mary Free Bed
This provides customized inpatient rehabilitation for people with a wide range of disabling diagnoses, such as amputation, brain injury, spinal cord injury and stroke.
MedExpress
Comprehensive urgent care services for when you can’t see your primary care doctor and it’s not serious enough to go to the emergency room.
Neurosciences
Comprehensive treatment of neurological disorders, using state-of-the-art technologies with highly trained staff. Provides advanced treatment for more than 20 neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and sleep disorders.
OB-GYN and Women’s Health
Offers a full range of women’s health services, including:
- Birth Center
- Childbirth education
- Health screenings throughout the year
- High-risk OB care
- Home-like maternity care
- Regional neonatal intensive care unit
- Nursing care
- Nutrition counseling
- Wellness programs
Online Doctor Visits
Covenant VirtualCare provides 24/7 access to board-certified physicians from a smartphone, tablet or laptop.
Orthopedics
Orthopedic surgeons work with a team of highly skilled nurses, therapists and other healthcare professionals to treat people of all ages. Ranked #1 for orthopedic care in the Great Lakes Bay region providing surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation for all injuries affecting bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and/or nerves.
Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Providing full recovery services for traumatic or disease -afflicted musculoskeletal and cognitive disorders, sports injuries, industrial injuries, stroke or amputee services and many other related conditions.
Pulmonary / Respiratory Care
Comprehensive care for respiratory conditions and diseases, including:
- Asthma Treatment
- BIPAP Therapy
- Blood Chemistry Labs
- Comprehensive Pulmonary Function Labs
- Heliox Therapy
- Metabolic Monitoring
- Nitric Oxide
- Outpatient Pulmonary Independence Program including Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Outpatient Smoking Cessation Support
- Sleep Studies
- Ventilator Management
Sleep Center
Staffed by a highly trained team of sleep technicians and physicians who specialize in pediatric and sleep medicine, as well as neurology and pulmonary medicine.
Sports Medicine
Treatment for common sports injury conditions such as:
- Acute injuries
- Overuse injuries
- Concussion
- Exercise prescription
Injury prevention - Return to play decisions
- Treatment of special populations, such as the elderly with arthritic conditions
- Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound and ultrasound-guided procedures and injections
Surgery
Using advanced technologies to provide innovative surgical procedures for a full array of medical needs.
Veterans’ Choice
Covenant works closely with the local VA Medical Center in Saginaw to provide high quality care for veterans through the Veterans’ Choice Program. The VA Medical Center is the primary coordinator of medical care, and will refer patients to Covenant when necessary. Covenant is available to provide whatever backup is needed to ensure care is prompt and seamless.
Wound Healing Center
Helping to heal the toughest and chronic wounds that have resisted many other forms of treatment. Covenant can assist with patients suffering from:
- Bone infections
- Burns
- Diabetic ulcers
- Failing skin/muscle grafts or flaps
- Lower leg ulcers
- Lymphedema
- Pressure ulcers
- Post-operative infections
- Radiation tissue injuries
- Recurring wounds
- Skin tears or lacerations
- Wounds that don’t respond to regular treatment or are infected
- Wounds that persist for more than 4 weeks
Covenant Specialty Care
Covenant Medical Group provides a comprehensive array of specialty services for patients throughout the Great Lakes Bay region.
- Covenant Cardiology
- Covenant Digestive Care Center
- Covenant MedExpress
- Covenant Neurology
- Covenant Neurosurgery
- Covenant Occupational Health
- Covenant Oncology
- Covenant Orthopaedics
- Covenant Pediatric Neurology
- Covenant Pediatric Surgery
- Covenant Pediatric Urology
- Covenant Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Covenant Plastic Surgery
- Covenant Pulmonary and Critical Care
- Covenant Sports Medicine
- Covenant Surgery
- Covenant Wound Healing & Hyperbaric Medicine Center
Covenant In-Patient Care
From treating patients in the Emergency Care Center, to performing pre-employment health screenings, the in-patient care physicians of the Covenant Medical Group provide top flight care throughout the organization.
- Critical Care
- Emergency Care Center
- Hospital Medicine
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Great Lakes Bay Region SilverSneakers Locations
The SilverSneakers Fitness program was founded with the goals of improving the physical, mental and emotional health of older Americans. Since that time, SilverSneakers has become a nationwide network with more than 13,000 participating fitness and wellness facilities that serve more than 12 million eligible members.
SilverSneakers is designed for people 65 and older and offers a diverse range of classes from low impact to high intensity, designed to meet individual fitness goals. This might be achieved through yoga, weight training, Latin dance, aqua-aerobics and dozens of others, each uniquely designed and taught by certified instructors.
In many cases, a SilverSneakers membership may be free as one of the benefits of several Medicare Advantage programs.
The CMG Covenant Living Code of Conduct
As members of the Covenant Medical Group:
- We believe that the patient is our first partner. We will actively engage patients in their care experience.
- We believe that the needs of the patient come first. We will not let process impede the delivery of seamless continuum of care.
- We believe that communication is the key to professionalism and quality care. We conduct ourselves in a collegial and respectful manner in all of our interactions with patients, partners and staff. We will adhere to the highest levels of ethical and professional conduct.
- We believe that excellence in patient experience is achievable only through efforts of the entire care team – we remain loyal and steadfast in our team work.
- We believe that high quality medical care is an art grounded in the practice of evidence- based medicine. We strive to be current and innovative in our specialty field and utilize evidence-based protocols in our delivery of care.
- We believe that citizenship is the cornerstone of our group culture. We remain responsible to all group policy, procedure and compliance expectations and to participate in and support organizational change.
- We understand the viability of our mission is dependent upon the economic health of our individual practices, group and health system. We hold ourselves accountable for financial performance.
The Covenant McNally House
McNally House is a “home away from home” for out-of-town families and patients receiving medical treatment on the campus of Covenant HealthCare. It is operated by Saginaw’s Hospital Hospitality House and provides lodging and a network of care to families in need.
The McNally House has 16 bedrooms, kitchen and laundry facilities, family visiting areas and a patio and garden area.
Any out-of-town relative of a patient hospitalized at Covenant HealthCare may stay at McNally House. Arrangements are made through a social worker, case coordinator, physician or nurse.
Guests are charged $20/night for the first person and $10/night for each additional person in the room. Special arrangements can be made for those who are unable to pay this fee
For more information, call the Hospital Hospitality House at 989.583.0155.
Chapels
Chapels are located on the first floors of the Cooper and Harrison campuses, as well as the lower level of the Michigan campus. Doors are always open to patients, family members and visitors.
For more information, call Pastoral Care Services at 989.583.6042.
Covenant Healthcare Foundation
Members of the community are invited to invest in the future of healthcare in the region by making a donation to the Covenant HealthCare Foundation. Online credit card donations are confidential and are secured by Blackbaud. Donors may also mail a check or money order to the Foundation.
For information about the Covenant HealthCare Foundation call 989.583.7600, or send an email.
Patient and Family Advisory Councils
Former patients and their family members/caregivers can join the Covenant HealthCare Patient and Family Advisory Council (PFAC). This provides a voice for the patient and family to be heard across the continuum in all decisions made about patient care. Participants are empowered to:
- Identify opportunities for improvement
- Enhance patient and family centered care
- Help Covenant pursue clinical excellence and value of care
- Help Covenant see all patients as people
- Provide feedback on Covenant projects and processes
- Work on program development and implementation
- Share experiences and offer guidance and suggestions for improvement
- Gain knowledge and understanding of hospital/department operations
Specific opportunities include:
- Executive PFAC
- Cancer Care Center PFAC
- Women’s and Children’s PFAC
- Orthopaedic PFAC
- E-Advisors
- Physician Office PFACs
To become a member of the PFAC, call 989.583.7491 or send an email to pfac@chs-mi.com.
Pricing Transparency
With an increased focus on healthcare costs, consumers want more information on healthcare prices. Covenant Healthcare supports healthcare price transparency by providing interested parties with information to understand the costs of care and make informed decisions.
Prices for services are based on many factors:
- The cost of staff, equipment, and supplies
- The amount of time staff is involved in procedures
- Additional support expenses such as housekeeping, billing, and technology
The hospital follows national billing guidelines as outlined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Prices represent the hospital costs. Additionally, patients could receive separate bills for physician’s fees for an emergency physician, surgeon, anesthesia provider, radiologist and other specialists.
You can access pricing information here:
- Standard Charges
- MS-DRG Information (MS-DRG stands for Medicare Severity – Diagnosis Related Groups (MS-DRG). Using patients’ diagnoses, surgical procedures, age and other information, patients who have similar clinical characteristics and similar treatment are aligned to a specific MS-DRG.
- Copyright Notice
Covenant’s Billing Policies and Information
You should familiarize yourself with the terms of your insurance coverage. If there is a question about insurance coverage, please call Covenant’s Financial Counseling Department at 989.583.2959 and they will be happy to assist you.
If you do not have insurance, Financial Counselors can help you apply for various programs, such as Healthy Michigan. They can also assist you with navigating the Healthcare Exchange.
If paying your hospital bill creates a financial hardship, you can apply for financial assistance, which may be available based on established guidelines. Consideration for assistance includes the patient’s or responsible party’s income level, assets, situation, number of people in the home and other indicators of inability to pay. Applications are available in various locations, such as Admitting, Cashier and Covenant Physician Offices.
All patient balances are due upon receipt of the bill. If you are in need of a payment arrangement, call Covenant’s Central Business Office at 989.583.6024.
Partial payments made toward a balance will not stop collection activity unless you have made payment arrangements and complied with the terms of the arrangements.
If you are a member of a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or similar health plan, your plan may have special requirements, such as a second surgical opinion or pre-certification for certain tests or procedures.
It is your responsibility to make sure the requirements of your plan have been met. If your plan requirements are not followed, you may be financially responsible for all or part of the services rendered in the hospital. Also, please be aware that some physician specialists may not participate in your healthcare plan and their services may not be covered.
If you are covered by Medicare, you must provide a copy your Medicare card to verify eligibility and process your Medicare claim.
Medicare does not cover payment for certain items and services, such as cosmetic surgery, some dental surgery procedures, personal comfort items, hearing evaluations, self-administered drugs for outpatient procedures and others. Deductibles and co-payments are also the responsibility of the patient.
If you are covered by Medicaid or a Medicaid Managed Plan, you will need to provide a copy of your Medicaid card. Medicaid also has payment limitations on a number of services and items. Medicaid does not pay for the cost of a private room.
If you were involved in an auto accident, Covenant HealthCare needs your auto insurance information so your insurance benefits can be maximized. Without this information your insurance cannot be billed, and the bill will be your responsibility.
Once a claim has been filed, please call 989.583.4318 with your insurance company information including claim number and billing address.
If you do not have auto insurance there may be other options to get your bill paid. Call Covenant’s Financial Counselors at 989.583.2959 for an assessment.
Your insurance may be out of network. Covenant accepts most insurance plans, but you should check with your health plan to determine if you are in network with Covenant HealthCare. If your insurance does not participate with Covenant, your insurance will be billed out of courtesy, but the remaining balance will be your responsibility.
Contact Covenant HealthCare
For general questions, please call Covenant HealthCare’s main phone number at 989.583.0000.
For all other inquiries, go to Covenant’s Contact Us page.
