St. Louis-based Health Plan Recognized by Medicare for Five-Star Quality Continues Growth

Essence Healthcare, a leading Medicare Advantage plan provider, today announced the company is celebrating 20 years of delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Over the past two decades, the company has earned a reputation as a trusted partner for Medicare beneficiaries.

Essence Healthcare was founded in 2004 by local physicians with a mission to transform healthcare through a value-based care model that prioritizes patient outcomes and care coordination. Established to address inefficiencies in the traditional fee-for-service system, Essence Healthcare provides Medicare beneficiaries access to comprehensive, high-quality care focused on prevention and overall health.

Over the past 20 years, Essence has grown from a pioneering Medicare Advantage plan into a trusted healthcare partner serving membership across six states. The company’s focus on value-based care has driven significant improvements in health outcomes, patient satisfaction, and cost efficiency. Essence has expanded its membership to 61,000 members and has consistently earned top ratings, achieving three consecutive years of a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), recognizing its superior quality of care and member satisfaction.

Essence has been a vital part of the St. Louis community. As a trusted local employer, Essence remains committed to investing in the region and contributing to the area's economic development.

“Achieving 20 years of service is a significant milestone to celebrate,” said Jordan Reigel, president, Essence Healthcare. “Essence Healthcare’s success is rooted in our dedication to our members, and our focus on helping them access care that improves their quality of life.”

As Essence Healthcare looks to the future, it remains committed to its mission of enhancing the health and well-being of its members through innovative care models, personalized service, and a relentless focus on quality. The company plans to continue expanding its offerings and partnerships, ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries have access to the care they need to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

“We are committed to maintaining the high standards and trusted relationships that our members have come to know us for,” said Reigel. “As we look to the future, we are excited to extend our reach to new regions, ensuring that more people have access to the quality care they deserve.”

Essence will celebrate its anniversary throughout the month of September, including a sponsorship at the Great Forest Park Balloon Race and Zootoberfest, an event at the St. Louis Zoo. Additionally, Essence is having a company-wide event on September 29 at CITYPARK.

About Essence Healthcare

Essence Healthcare provides over 61,000 people with Medicare comprehensive and affordable health insurance that focuses on wellness, care coordination, and personal service. Essence’s Medicare Advantage plans offer complete hospital, medical and prescription drug coverage and include additional benefits not covered under the Original Medicare program. Powered by the nation’s leading population health services and technology of Lumeris, Essence is earning national recognition for its commitment to service and quality, including being awarded Medicare’s highest overall plan rating of 5 out of 5 Stars in 2022, 2023 and again in 2024 for its Missouri and Missouri-Illinois plans and was recently named “Best Medicare Advantage Plan Companies” for Missouri and Illinois for 2022 and 2023 by U.S. News and World Report. In 2025 Essence’s Medicare Advantage plans will be available in markets in Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. To learn more about Essence Healthcare, please visit www.essencehealthcare.com.

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