Essence Healthcare Inc., a Louisville, Ky.-based insurer that offers health plan options that are part of the Medicare program, has opened an office here, at Riverwalk Plaza.

Essence Healthcare began offering Medicare Advantage coverage in Western Washington several years ago, says spokeswoman Courtney Silvagni. People over 65 can buy the private Medicare Advantage plans, approved by Medicare, that allow members to receive all of their Medicare coverage from one source, plus some expanded benefits in some cases. Essence includes in its plan dental and vision benefits that aren't offered in the Medicare program, and also includes Medicare Part D drug coverage, Silvagni says.

The office will be enrolling people here, beginning Nov. 1, in a plan it has developed in coordination with Spokane-area clinics Physicians Clinic of Spokane, Columbia Medical Associates, and Rockwood Clinic PS, Silvagni says. The new coverage will take effect Jan. 1, she says.

Essence Healthcare has leased for its operation here 2,000 square feet of office space at Riverwalk Plaza, at 1007 E. Trent, which is owned by Spokane development company MG Lands, Silvagni says. The insurer currently employs seven people at its Spokane office, and plans to add more as needed, Silvagni says. She says the company has in-state customer service representatives.

Essence offers plans in King, Snohomish, and Whatcom counties, and this year also will be adding a plan in Skagit County, Silvagni says. The Washington state Insurance Commissioner's office says about 20 companies currently offer Medicare Advantage plans in Spokane County.