Alliance Medi-Cal Members to Receive Vision Care Services From March Vision Care.

Move Delivers Cost Savings and Enhances Member Access to Vision Centers at Local Retail Locations

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Alameda Alliance for Health is changing its vision care service provider from Vision Service Plan (VSP) to March Vision Care effective February 1, 2009. This change affects only Medi-Cal beneficiaries in Alameda County who currently receive their Medi-Cal health care benefits through the Alliance.

"We're very pleased with our move to March Vision Care because it is in the best interest of our members," said Ingrid Lamirault, CEO for the Alliance. "March Vision Care offers a more cost effective vision care solution. Their guarantee to our members includes easy access to vision care doctors, appointments for routine visits within 14 days, and urgent or emergency care within 24 hours. Plus, Alliance Medi-Cal members will now be able to access vision care services at local retail locations, independent optometrists, opticians and ophthalmologists. This is a big plus and an added convenience for our Medi-Cal beneficiaries."

Dr. Glen March, CEO for March Vision Care, said: "It's a privilege for March Vision Care to work with an organization committed to improving the health of its community. We look forward to working very closely with Alameda Alliance for Health to provide vision care services that are innovative and member-centric."

Member benefits will remain the same, however, as of February 1, 2009, Alliance Medi-Cal members who need vision care services will need to see a March Vision Care network doctor. Members can call March Vision Care at 888.493.4070 or visit their website at www.marchvisioncare.com to find a doctor. Alliance Medi-Cal members can also contact the Alliance Member Services department at 510.747.4501, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

About March Vision Care

March Vision Care is a Knox Keene licensed vision care benefits plan administering vision care insurance programs for health plans, HMO's and the business community. March Vision Care serves over 1 million+ members nationwide. The organization has a commitment to excellence for all facets of its vision benefit programs. March Vision Care's mission is to be an active partner in improving health through high quality affordable vision care that focuses on early detection, education, and management through innovative, member-oriented solutions. Learn more about March Vision Care at www.marchvisioncare.com.

About the Alliance

Established in 1996, Alameda Alliance for Health is a local, not-for-profit, state-licensed health plan committed to making high quality health care services accessible and affordable to lower income residents in Alameda County. The Alliance is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of its members. More than 95,000 people have chosen the Alliance as their health care plan through health coverage programs that include Medi-Cal, Healthy Families, Alliance Group Care and Alliance CompleteCare. More information on the Alliance can be found at www.alamedaalliance.org and www.alliancecompletecare.org.