Blue Cross & Blue Shield Of Rhode Island Medicare Offerings Focus On Simplifying, Coordinating Care For 2016 Annual Enrollment Period

PROVIDENCE – Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) is offering seven BlueCHiP for Medicare options to fit every lifestyle and budget during Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period for the upcoming 2016 plan year. The redesigned $0 premium BlueCHiP for Medicare Advance is the result of unique partnerships BCBSRI established with local providers, featuring a network in which each member’s primary care doctor coordinates a broader medical team focused on his or her healthcare needs. In addition to making healthcare simple, this shift toward advance care networks enhances quality and improves patient experiences.

One of the seven Medicare Advantage plans available to eligible Rhode Island residents is BlueCHiP for Medicare Extra (HMO-POS), which provides lower cost sharing and out-of-network coverage. BCBSRI will also continue to offer two Blue Medicare Rx Prescription Drug Plans and its Plan 65 Medicare Supplement products.

All BlueCHiP for Medicare plans include programs to encourage and help Medicare members maintain a healthy lifestyle. Members enjoy benefits including:
·        BlueCHiP for Medicare Dental, which members can choose to add to any BlueCHiP plan and features coverage up to $1,000 per calendar year (members choosing this option benefit from a  just one ID card and premium payment);  
·        Various fitness benefits built-into most plans; five of seven plans include Living Fit, an unlimited-use membership at a participating network health club for $5 per month;
·        Personalized care coordination with BCBSRI nurses, as needed;
·        In-home health visits, no cost comprehensive health assessment to identify healthcare needs;
·        Expert service from the dedicated BlueCHiP for Medicare Concierge Team;
·        Free wellness screenings and programs for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes and heart disease;
·        Nutrition counseling with $0 copay at network providers; and
·        Healthy Living newsletter, a quarterly newsletter just for BlueCHiP for Medicare members, packed with healthy recipes, exercise tips, and helpful information about benefits and services.

BCBSRI is proud of its continued success in achieving a 4.0 Star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for all BlueCHiP for Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans. Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Star Ratings are calculated each year and may change from one year to the next. We remain committed to continuing to provide high quality Medicare Advantage options to our members. The CMS Star Ratings are a valuable benchmark for the quality of Medicare Advantage plans. The program is based on a series of clinical measures, as well as customer satisfaction and operational efficiency, and guides consumers in comparing quality between Medicare Advantage plans.

Between October 15 and December 7, 2015, eligible seniors can enroll or make changes to their Medicare plan, which go into effect on January 1, 2016. Due to federal guidelines, this approved period is the only time of year seniors already enrolled in Medicare can change plans.

For Medicare-eligible seniors looking for more information, BCBSRI is hosting meetings about its Medicare options across the state in October, November, and December. To find a convenient meeting date and time, additional information, or to shop for BCBSRI’s BlueCHiP for Medicare Advantage, Supplement and Prescription Drug Plans, visit BCBSRI.com/Medicare from any desktop, smart phone or tablet.

Customers can also contact BCBSRI at 1-800-351-BLUE (2583) or TTY: 711, or visit us at any one of our three convenient retail locations:

·        Cowesett Corners, 300 Quaker Lane, Warwick

·        Bell Tower Plaza, Unit 18, 576 Metacom Avenue, Bristol

·        622 George Washington Highway (Lincoln Mall), Lincoln

All three locations are able to provide sales and service to customers during open enrollment season and beyond. For more information about our retail locations, including our extended hours during open enrollment, visit BCBSRI.com/yourbluestore.

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 January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Part B premium. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island depends on contract renewal.  

About Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) is the state’s leading health insurer and covers more than 450,000 members. Our mission is to improve our members’ health and peace of mind by facilitating their access to affordable, high-quality healthcare. BCBSRI is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more information, visit www.bcbsri.com, follow us on Twitter @BCBSRI, and like us on Facebook at fb.com/bcbsrhodeisland.

 

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of 35 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield companies.