DETROIT, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Michigan seniors and all other Medicare eligible individuals will have more choices in Medicare coverage in 2006 -- with the security of knowing that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will be providing the coverage.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and its HMO affiliate, Blue Care Network, announced they were approved by the federal government to offer new Medicare Advantage plans in Michigan for 2006 that combine medical/surgical coverage with Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
The Michigan Blues’ new Medicare Advantage plans go into effect Jan. 1, 2006. Marketing of the plans and the distribution of enrollment applications will begin in October 2005. Medicare eligible individuals can begin enrolling in them on Nov. 15, 2005.
“The good news for Michigan’s Medicare eligible residents is that Blue Cross’s Medicare plans are on the way -- and will include Part D prescription drug benefits for the first time under Medicare,” said Cathy Schmitt, vice president of federal programs for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
“Seniors and Medicare eligible individuals will be seeing tremendous amounts of Medicare advertising from out-of-state companies they’ve never heard of before,” said Kevin Seitz, president and CEO of Blue Care Network. “They should know that starting in October, the Michigan Blues are here to serve them with Medicare plans that provide the same security and peace of mind we’ve given Michigan residents for over 65 years.”
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will provide five different Medicare plans in 2006: two options that combine medical/surgical and prescription drugs benefits, another that offers medical/surgical benefits only, and two more options that offer prescription drug benefits only. Blue Care Network’s Medicare Advantage plans include two options that combine medical/surgical and prescription drugs, and a third option that is medical/surgical benefits only.
BCBSM’s Medicare plan will be available to residents throughout the state. Blue Care Network’s Medicare plan will be offered to residents of an 18-county region that includes Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Muskegon, Ottawa, Kent, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Jackson, Shiawassee, Saginaw, Lapeer, Genesee, Livingston and Washtenaw counties. Both BCBSM and BCN will cover enrollees for emergency and urgent care anywhere in the world.
Benefits of BCBSM’s Medicare plans:
* Includes all current Medicare benefits by combining the benefits of Medicare Parts A, B and many Medigap Supplemental benefits into one product. Requires only one health plan card when using services.
* Includes comprehensive Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
* Is a fee-for-service plan that will be accepted by any doctor who accepts Medicare payments.
* Includes additional coverage for preventive services, like annual physicals, which are not covered by traditional Medicare.
* Provides freedom to travel with confidence by covering emergency and urgent care everywhere.
Benefits of Blue Care Network’s Medicare HMO plans:
* Includes all current Medicare benefits by combining the benefits of Medicare Parts A, B and many Medigap Supplemental benefits into one product. Requires only one health plan card when using services.
* Includes dental and vision benefits not currently provided under Medicare.
* Includes additional coverage for preventive services, like annual physicals, which are not covered in traditional Medicare.
* Includes comprehensive Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.
* Will use a physician network with the primary care physician as the care coordinator.
* Provides freedom to travel with confidence by covering emergency and urgent care everywhere.
* Blue Care Network is the only HMO backed by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
Premiums will vary by region and are based on the residence of the member and the plan option chosen. Enrollees in all options are still required to pay for their Medicare Part B premium, and must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B to enroll in the new product. However, some of the plans will actually reduce the Part B premium members must pay.
BCBSM’s Medicare plan is available to individuals only. The company anticipates having a plan for customer groups in 2007 and will be working with groups during 2006 to achieve this objective. The BCN plans are available in 2006 to both individuals and customer groups.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan; Blue Care Network
CONTACT: Helen Stojic of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan,+1-313-225-8113
Web site: http://www.bcbsm.com/
