Melissa Bonnette is what you call a captive agent. The title is used commonly in the insurance profession and means she’s an insurance agent who only works for one insurance company. That’s fine by her. She loves where she works and what she does. Melissa works for CHRISTUS Health Plan.

“My job is to serve people in a spirit of love, empathy and concern and that’s what I’m trying to do as an agent. We truly do care about the people,” said Melissa.

Not too long ago, Melissa was in front of a classroom. She spent 11 years teaching young students in East Texas. Her skills of communicating, presenting, patience and teaching are still being put to good use. She’s just using them in a different way by now encouraging her senior neighbors, people she truly cares about, to take advantage of open enrollment and the offerings of CHRISTUS Health Plan.

“Medicare can be confusing with all the terminology, but we’re here to explain it,” said Melissa.  “CHRISTUS Health Plan Generations and Generations Plus (HMO) are both really rich in benefits. But, there’s a few differences. That’s why we’re here to talk through it.”

CHRISTUS Health Plan Generations and Generations Plus (HMO) are Medicare Advantage plans available to people who are 65 and older, as well as those under 65 with certain disabilities. The HMO Plans include doctors and hospital benefits, prescription drug coverage and more, like

• Medical and drug coverage in one plan;
• A network of hospitals, doctors and facilities close to home;
• 24/7 Nurse Hotline at 1-844-581-3173;
• Routine eye exam;
• Preventive dental cleaning and
• Other programs to keep seniors healthy.

“CHRISTUS Health Plan Generations provides easy access to health care that offers a good value from a local and trusted name in the community,” said Scott Smith, M.D., Senior Vice President and Institute Chair of Primary Care for CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Health System. “When our doctors, hospitals and health plan unite efforts around a shared commitment and common purpose, our patients experience all the benefits of truly integrated health care.”

One of Melissa’s clients recently made the same observation.

“They’ve all been special and wonderful. But, I remember there was a lady who was truly elated by our offerings as I was going over them. She kept saying, ‘Are you serious? Are you telling me the truth? Oh, praise to God,’ ” recalled Melissa. “It was wonderful to see her and hear her tell me that the Lord was blessing her and working it all out for her. It was awesome to see her so happy.”

Current Medicare beneficiaries in the North East Texas and Santa Fe, New Mexico areas can enroll in CHRISTUS Health Plan Generations and Generations Plus (HMO) until Dec. 15, 2021. To be eligible for CHRISTUS Health Plan Generations and Generations Plus, you must meet these requirements:

• Must be eligible for Medicare.
• Must physically live in the following Texas counties: Bowie, Camp, Cass Cherokee, Franklin, Gregg, Harrison, Hopkins, Marion, Morris, Panola, Red River, Smith, Titus, Upshur and Wood
• Must physically live in the following New Mexico counties: Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, San Miguel and Santa Fe
• Must be eligible for Medicare Parts A and B.
• Must pay your deductible, copay or coinsurance at the time you receive covered services.

For more information about CHRISTUS Health Plan, please call 1-844-282-3026 or visit christushealthplan.org.