San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
Gonzaba Medical Group is ready and prepared for the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period starting October 15, 2021
For over 60 years Dr. Bill Gonzaba, CEO and Founder of Gonzaba Medical Group, and his physician-led healthcare team, have been caring for seniors and the elderly population, changing the way family-practice medicine is delivered in San Antonio.
Born and raised on the Southside of San Antonio, Dr. Bill Gonzaba, who is now 87 years young, shares his deep love and care for the elderly community, “I’ve been practicing on the Southside of San Antonio. During that time, I have learned quite a bit about treating elderly patients. What a privilege to treat them and there’s so much that can be done for seniors, and that’s what we do. We take care of seniors.” Often treating them Como Familia, like family.
Dr. Bill Gonzaba grew up in El Barrio, often called Sunny Slope near present day Highlands High School, “We were a family of modest means, but we lived in a community that celebrated life and cared about each other. Although I did not really realize it at the time, growing up on the Southside created the foundational values that would guide me in my later years. After being educated to become a doctor, I knew I wanted to come back to this community to bring the best possible medical care to people who deserve the best.”
That’s what Gonzaba Medical Group continues to do. They serve San Antonio with nine locations throughout the city, with its Main Medical Center on the Southside, located on Pleasanton Road off of I-35 and Division. The newest location opens this month at Hillcrest Road and Bandera Road, near Randy’s Ballroom across the street from Discount Tire. Of their nine locations, there are three Urgent Care Centers that are open 365 days a year from 8am-8pm, four Event Centers, and an in-house Call Center that is also open 365 days a year from 7am-8pm Monday-Friday and from 8am-8pm on weekends, ready to take patient calls. “Taking care of our patients is our number one priority,” explains Dr. Bill Gonzaba. Gonzaba Medical Group sees each patient as a person, not just as a number with symptoms. That’s why they’re equipped with dedicated Patient Advocates at all their locations and Patient Service Representatives to help make doctor’s appointments, request prescription refills, transportation to their doctor’s appointments, and to help their patients with Medicare questions.
The Patient Advocate teams at Gonzaba Medical Group are ready to help their patients fill out paperwork, in English or Spanish, help them understand their medical coverage, and explain their Medicare benefits to them, and always do so with a smile. “Customer Service is our #1 priority.”, says Francisco Gonzaba, the Executive Director of Business Operations.
October is an important month for seniors in San Antonio. Effective October 15th, 2021, those who qualify for Medicare are eligible to enroll in one of Gonzaba Medical Group’s Medicare programs. The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period starts October 15, 2021 and goes through December 7th, 2021.
“Sometimes our patients will get a lot of junk mail, with spam or fake Medicare programs. Our patients will bring in their mail, and we’ll help them separate the real mail from the junk mail,” says Laura Rosas, Patient Advocate Supervisor. “Our patients may not have a spouse or child to help them. That’s what we’re here for. They know that they can count on us to get them the help they need or answer questions that they may have.”
If you’re not a Medicare patient at Gonzaba Medical Group, but are interested in learning more, a dedicated Gonzaba Medical Group representative can help answer any questions that you may have. Their phone number is (210) 610-4495.
Gonzaba Medical Group offers Zumba classes Mondays at 10am at their 933 Pleasanton Road Event Center and on Tuesdays at 10am at their North Central location, at 6487 Blanco Road, inside Loop 410 & Blanco Road.
Chair Yoga is also available to calm your mind and get your body moving. Chair Yoga is offered on Wednesdays at 10am at their 933 Pleasanton Road Event Center and on Fridays at 10am at their North Central Event Center at 6487 Blanco Road. Zumba classes and Chair Yoga are free. Social distancing and face masks are required.
“We offer Zumba classes, Chair Yoga, Turkey Bingo, produce giveaways, fruit giveaways, you name it! And with the holiday season around the corner, we’ll be throughout San Antonio giving away pumpkins, turkeys, and even Christmas trees,” says Steven Vargas. It’s a great way for our seniors to stay active with their grandchildren and loved ones. For a list of all our community events visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ GonzabaMedical.
“We’re here to help our seniors,” says Dr. Bill Gonzaba. Providing quality care at minimal to no cost is the Gonzaba way. We’re ready to help seniors navigate through any healthcare questions that they may have, especially during this important Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. There are a lot of choices. Gonzaba Medical Group’s Field Outreach team works with over 200 healthcare agents, making it easier for our patients to connect with the most appropriate healthcare plan. They’re available via phone, in-person, and when necessary, can even make house calls in-person. They’re well equipped with Medicare knowledge and what the best plan is for your specific healthcare needs.
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is October 15, 2021 – December 7, 2021. You can contact Gonzaba Medical Group at (210) 6104495 for more information and visit their website at www.gonzaba.com/SayYes.