BlueCross Adds Hearing Benefits for Seniors in 2017

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee intends to help the large number of
seniors who suffer from hearing loss by offering high-quality,
affordable hearing benefits in its 2017 Medicare Advantage plans known
as BlueAdvantage℠.

In a partnership with TruHearing, a national hearing aid provider,
BlueAdvantage members will be eligible for an annual hearing exam, plus
two hearing aids per calendar year beginning Jan. 1, 2017.

“We are very excited to offer these hearing services for our members,”
said Todd Ray, vice president and general manager of senior products for
BlueCross. “One out of every three seniors suffers from some sort of
hearing loss, and hearing products can be very costly. We are happy to
ease this burden for our members.”

Hearing aids can cost as much as $3,000; but with this new benefit
offering, members will pay only a small percentage of that cost.

With a BlueAdvantage plan, members can now receive three follow-up
visits with a provider for fitting and adjustments, a 45-day trial with
their hearing aid, a three-year manufacturer warranty for repairs, and
one-time loss and damage replacement, plus 48 batteries per hearing aid.

“We aim to help our members live healthy, active lives,” Ray said. “The
new line of hearing benefits complements our other products to enable
members to achieve this goal.”

BlueCross earned a 4- out of 5-STAR quality rating from the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The assessment validates the
effectiveness of the company’s programs, which are designed to boost
member health outcomes and satisfaction.

About BlueCross®

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s mission is to provide peace of mind
through better health. Founded in 1945, the Chattanooga-based company is
focused on serving more than 3.4 million members in Tennessee and across
the country. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Inc. is an independent
licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information,
visit the company’s website at bcbst.com.

TruHearing is an independent company that provides hearing services for
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. TruHearing does not provide
BlueCross-branded products and services.

All content ©2016 TruHearing, Inc. All Rights Reserved. TruHearing® is a
registered trademark of TruHearing, Inc. All other trademarks, product
names and company names are the property of their respective owners.

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Inc., is an Independent Licensee of
the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is an association of
independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.

Contacts

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
Brian Lazenby, 423-535-4263