BCBSGa Emphasizes Better Health through New Medicare Advantage Plans in Georgia, Provider Collaboration, Extra Benefits
ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–As Medicare’s primary sales season gets under way, Blue Cross Blue
Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) is emphasizing better health in Georgia
through provider collaboration and new Medicare Advantage plans with
extra benefits.
This includes expanding Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (DSNPs) for
people eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, and traditional HMOs for
the general population. BCBSGa Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug
plans (MAPD) continue to offer significant benefits not available in
Original Medicare, including dental and vision coverage.
“Even with the Medicare reimbursement environment changing, we think
it’s critical to structure our plans to provide our members with real
value over Original Medicare, including extra benefits and strong local
alliances,” said David McNichols, president of the company’s Medicare
central region.
Following are some specifics on BCBSGa MAPD plans that will be available
for the Annual Election Period, or AEP, which begins Oct. 15 and
continues through Dec. 7. BCBSGa offers MAPD plans primarily in the
Atlanta, Columbus, Macon, Augusta and Savannah areas. Plans are
effective Jan. 1, 2016.
New and expansion plans. BCBSGa is expanding its $0 premium MAPD
Medicare Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan, also known as a DSNP, called
BCBSHP MediBlue Dual Advantage (HMO SNP), to the following Georgia
counties: Bryan, Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Jefferson, McDuffie,
Richmond and Warren. A traditional HMO plan called BCBSHP MediBlue Plus
(HMO) is being expanded into those same counties. Like existing BCBSGa
special needs plans in the state, the new DSNP plan includes dental and
vision coverage, some transportation to doctor’s appointments and some
over-the-counter drug costs, all at no extra cost. Unlike most plans,
people who qualify for a DSNP have a continuous Special Election Period,
which means they can elect a new plan at any time throughout the year.
Provider collaboration. BCBSGa is launching a new $0 premium HMO
Select product in Clayton, DeKalb and Fulton counties called BCBSHP
MediBlue Prime Select (HMO) featuring a close collaboration with Emory
Healthcare to coordinate care. Emory is Georgia’s largest health care
system.
Online doctor’s visits. LiveHealth Online (LHO) telehealth will
continue to be available in BCBSGa’s plans. LHO allows members to access
board-certified doctors through their computer or mobile device, and
will include a behavioral health benefit effective Jan. 1, 2016. With
this additional benefit, members can generally choose a qualified mental
health expert and schedule a counseling session in advance to be held
during available hours. (Those in crisis should call 911). Both seeing a
doctor and counseling visits are available at $0 copay to eligible
members.
More $0 generics. BCBSGa is enhancing its Medicare pharmacy
benefits in 2016. Both Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) and MAPD plans will
feature a “Select Tier” with selected generic drugs for a $0 copay at
preferred pharmacies, including some drugs that treat high blood
pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. BCBSGa also has several PDP
plans that offer certain generics in the coverage gap for a $0 copay.
BCBSGa has more than 200 preferred pharmacies in Georgia, including CVS,
Food Lion, Kroger, Target and Wal-Mart (Sam’s Club).
In addition to MAPD plans, BCBSGa offers Medicare Supplement plans and
standalone PDP plans across all Georgia counties. Medicare Supplement
plans help cover costs Original Medicare doesn’t, such as copayments,
coinsurance and deductibles. These plans offer access to any doctor or
medical facility that accepts Medicare, generally for a higher premium
than an MAPD. They are generally paired with a PDP.
“We pride ourselves in being one of the nation’s only insurers that can
offer a full continuum of Medicare products, including something for
every budget and lifestyle,” McNichols said.
For details about BCBSGa Medicare plans in your area, call (855)
866-3981 or visit BCBSGa’s Medicare online store at www.bcbsga.com/shop.
BCBSGa will be holding educational events and home visits throughout AEP.
BCBSGa is a PPO plan, an HMO plan and a PDP with a Medicare contract.
Enrollment in BCBSGa depends on contract renewal. This information is
not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more
information. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply.
Benefits, premiums and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on Jan. 1
of each year. The formulary, pharmacy network, and/or provider network
may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary.
You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium.
This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from
the State and Medicare. Premiums, co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles
may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive. Please contact
the plan for further details.
About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc. and Blue Cross Blue Shield
Healthcare Plan of Georgia, Inc. are independent licensees of the Blue
Cross Blue Shield Association. The Blue Cross Blue Shield names and
symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Association. Additional information about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
Georgia, Inc. is available at www.anthem.com.
Also follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AskAnthem
or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AskAnthem.
Contacts
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Inc.
Doug Bennett Jr., (502)
889-2103
doug.bennettjr@anthem.com
