Medicare Advantage Expands PPO Network in Tennessee

November 10, 2008

CHATTANOOGA — With the addition of 17 counties, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee has expanded its Medicare Advantage Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) network from four to 22 counties across the state. The company's Medicare Advantage PPO product, BlueAdvantage, now includes approximately 9,000 new physicians and several major hospitals throughout Tennessee.

Originally, BlueAdvantage was only available in Knox, Anderson, Louden and Sevier counties. With the expansion, the following counties now have access:

• Bradley
• Campbell
• Carroll
• Davidson
• Dyer
• Greene
• Hamblen
• Hamilton
• Hancock
• Hawkins
• Jefferson
• Marion
• Polk
• Roane
• Shelby
• Sullivan
• Warren
• Weakly

"During these difficult economic times, it's reassuring to know that our PPO plans have added more hospitals and doctors to provide more health care choices for seniors and others eligible for Medicare," said Robert Slattery, vice president and general manager of Medicare Advantage for BlueCross. "With the freedom for seniors to see any doctor under the PPO plans and the ability to save money on things such as out-of-pocket expenses, gym memberships and even LASIK surgery, BlueCross is trying to help seniors better manage their health as well as their budgets."

BlueCross' BlueAdvantage portfolio offers plans ranging from Medicare Advantage Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS) Medical-Only plans and Medicare Advantage Private Fee-For-Service (PFFS) With Prescription Drug plans to Medicare Supplement Plans, which helps pay out-of-pocket costs under original Medicare.

Open enrollment is Nov. 15 – Dec. 31. For more information on BlueCross' BlueAdvantage PPO plans, visit http://www.bcbst-medicare.com/.

About BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is the state's oldest and largest not-for-profit health plan, serving nearly 3 million Tennesseans.  Founded in 1945, the Chattanooga-based company is focused on financing affordable health care coverage and providing peace of mind for all Tennesseans.  BlueCross serves its members by delivering quality health care products, services and information.   For more information on BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, visit the company's Web site at www.bcbst.com.