BayCare Health Plans Donates Hygiene Kits to Local Seniors

BayCare Health Plans, a subsidiary of BayCare, is doing its part to help the community during the coronavirus pandemic. 

BayCarePlus Medicare Advantage is collaborating with Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas and Senior Connection Center to donate 2,000 hygiene kits to seniors in the Tampa Bay area.   

“We’re thrilled to work with these non-for-profit organizations to provide hygiene products to seniors in our community,” said Larry J. Costello, president BayCare Health Plans. “It’s been difficult to find these products in stores during this time. By handing out these items, we’re hoping to make it easier and more convenient for them.”

The hygiene products, which include shampoo, soap, deodorant, lotion and toothpaste, will be distributed to seniors in Pasco, Pinellas, Hillsborough and Polk counties. Ann Marie Winter, executive director with Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, is grateful for BayCarePlus’ support. 

“BayCarePlus’ generosity to help seniors speaks volume to its commitment to the community,” said Winter. “We’re thankful to BayCare for helping seniors during this difficult time. This may seem small, but seniors have had difficulty getting these items due to stay-at-home orders and other concerns.” 

BayCarePlus team members assembled the kits and the two organizations picked them up at BayCare System Office. Charlotte McHenry, president and CEO for Senior Connection Center, said this partnership with BayCarePlus is essential during a time like this. 

“Thank you to BayCarePlus and their whole team for their kindness,” said McHenry. “This contribution will help a lot of seniors in Hillsborough and Polk counties.” 

BayCarePlus also recently announced that it’s waiving all out-of-pocket costs for all its members who undergo testing or treatment for COVID-19, including in-patient hospital admissions. This announcement impacts almost 8,000 local Medicare beneficiaries who receive their Medicare coverage from BayCare Heath Plans.