Medicare Beneficiaries Now Have Choice and Access to Coordinated Care and Additional Benefits
RICHARDSON, Texas, Oct. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Medicare beneficiaries in Texas now have more options for health care coverage that provides them additional choice, flexibility and affordability. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) is introducing an enhanced Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MAPD). Medicare eligible individuals can now enroll in Blue Cross Medicare Advantage (MAPD)SM or Blue Cross MedicareRx (PDP)SM prescription drug plans (PDP) for a January 1, 2014 effective date.
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This product expansion, approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), builds upon BCBSTX's existing Medicare product portfolio including Medicare Supplement and focuses on providing greater flexibility, lowering health care expenses and increasing access to health care.
"Our enhanced MAPD and Medicare PDP products, along with Medicare Supplement products support our legacy of providing continuous health coverage to our members for more than 80 years," said Dr. Dan McCoy, Chief Medical Officer for BCBSTX. "We are committed to providing Medicare-eligible beneficiaries with new offerings that increase choice, flexibility and value tailored to their individual needs."
BCBSTX's MAPD products include a variety of enhancements such as lower cost sharing, more network options and benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, travel benefits, and worldwide emergency care. In addition, MAPD members can participate in the SilverSneakers® Fitness Program, which encourages physical activity through fitness center memberships and social events, at no additional cost in 2014.
"Our Medicare Advantage plans are anchored by primary care physicians and hospital systems that specialize in meeting the needs of our senior population," said Dr. McCoy. "Our network, coupled with new benefits like SilverSneakers®, will provide seniors with access to benefits and tools that can help them achieve positive health outcomes."
BCBSTX's enhanced 2014 prescription drug plans (PDP) offers lower monthly premiums, reduced cost-sharing at preferred pharmacies, an expansive formulary of generic and brand prescription drugs, and access to 64,000*+ network pharmacies nationwide. The plans include different coverage levels to support the changing needs and lifestyles of the Medicare eligible population including a new Basic plan offering prescription drug copays for some generics as low as $2.
For more information about enrolling, visit www.mybluemapd.com or call 1-877-583-8129, (TTY/TDD: 711), 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., local time, 7 days a week to speak to a licensed agent. If you are calling from February 15 through September 30, alternate technologies (for example, voicemail) will be used on weekends and holidays.
The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information contact the plan. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, provider network, premium and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium.
® Registered Service Marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an Association of Independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans
† SilverSneakers® is a registered mark of Healthways, Inc.
Healthways SilverSneakers® Fitness Program is a wellness program owned and operated by Healthways, Inc., an independent company.
*Per Geo Access analysis conducted in July 2013.
1 Source: http://www.bcbs.com/history/index.html (accessed August 2012)
Medicare Advantage Plan Notice:
In Texas, plans are available in Bastrop, Burnet, Caldwell, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Fayette, Fort Bend, Harris, Hays, Lee, Montgomery, Tarrant, Travis and Williamson counties.
PPO plan provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, which refers to HCSC Insurance Services Company (HISC), an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. HISC is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in HISC's plan depends on contract renewal.
Medicare Part D Plan Notice:
Prescription drug plan provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, which refers to HCSC Insurance Services Company (HISC), an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. A Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in HISC's plan depends on contract renewal.
SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas