Essence Healthcare and Aging Ahead Team Up to Support St. Louis

(ST. LOUIS, Oct. 8, 2025) - Essence Healthcare, a leading provider of Medicare Advantage plans based in St. Louis, today announced a partnership with Aging Ahead, a nonprofit agency that provides meals, transportation and community-based services to older adults across the region.

The collaboration will expand access to nutritious meals and regular wellness checks for older adults, helping them stay healthy, independent and connected. The partnership will strengthen services that matter most to older adults-reliable home-delivered meals, friendly safety checks and opportunities to stay engaged in their community.

"Essence Healthcare's support has a direct impact on older adults in our community, allowing us to provide more meals to residents in need at a time when food costs are skyrocketing," said Christine Hustedde, chief executive officer of Aging Ahead. "Working with Essence allows us to meet the needs of more adults 60 and older while making sure they know where to turn for the meals and services that sustain their health and independence."

"Essence Healthcare has deep roots in St. Louis, and our commitment goes beyond providing health coverage," said Jordan Reigel, president of Essence Healthcare. "We're proud to partner with Aging Ahead to help older adults access the resources they need to stay healthy, connected and independent."

This partnership builds on Essence Healthcare's broader commitment to the St. Louis community. The company recently announced a partnership with St. Louis Oasis, a nonprofit education and wellness organization that offers lifelong learning and health programs for older adults. In May 2025, Essence donated $100,000 to the United Way of Greater St. Louis and mobilized employees to support tornado disaster recovery efforts through volunteer service.

About Essence Healthcare

Essence Healthcare provides more than 55,000 people with comprehensive and affordable Medicare 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 consistently highly rated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Essence HMO plans (H2610 contract) received a 5-out-of-5-star Overall Plan Rating for 2022-2024 and a 4.5-star rating for 2025. Essence PPO plans (H6200 contract) achieved a 4-star Overall Plan Rating for 2025. Top-rated plans receive 4 stars or higher from CMS. Plans under Essence's H3189 and H4620 contracts don't have enough data to receive a Star rating. Essence was also named a Best Medicare Advantage Plan for Missouri and Illinois for 2021-2025 by U.S. News & World Report. In 2025, Essence's Medicare Advantage plans are available in Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. To learn more about Essence Healthcare, please visit EssenceHealthcare.com. Essence Healthcare includes HMO and PPO plans with Medicare contracts. Enrollment in Essence Healthcare depends on contract renewal.

Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Star ratings may vary by contract or market.

About Aging Ahead

Aging Ahead supports individuals through the journey of aging by providing a wide array of programs and services to adults 60+ and their caregivers. As an 'area agency on aging', Aging Ahead is a nonprofit organization that serves as a trusted source of information, services and access to resources to help ensure all have opportunities to age well. Through their senior centers, social services team, meal service, case management, caregiver support and much more, they meet older adults where they are and help them age with honor and dignity.