Buffalo, NY – With the annual enrollment period less than two weeks away, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York today announced a broad suite of Medicare Advantage options for 2019, including a $0 premium plan, available to more than 300,000 Medicare-eligible consumers in Western New York.
To strengthen their competitively priced portfolio for 2019, BlueCross BlueShield added preventive dental coverage to all its Medicare Advantage plans, including those with no monthly premium.
Upon enrollment, members will also have access to the health plan’s Blue Concierge program, which provides direct access to a single, dedicated customer-service representative who can coordinate appointments and answer any health-related questions.
“We strive to meet the needs of our Medicare Advantage members, and worked hard to offer a variety of plans that provide real value for every budget,” said Dave Busch, senior vice president, chief sales officer, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York. “Our hope is that by including more preventive health benefits in our plans, our members will have a better quality of life, for longer.”
The region’s largest health plan, BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York will offer a total of six Medicare Advantage plans in 2019 that include comprehensive coverage and access to the region’s leading health systems and medical practices.
All BlueCross BlueShield’s products include more than 20 no-cost preventive services and a $0 gym membership to more than 14,000 fitness locations through SilverSneakers®. Additionally, eligible members can access Care at Home℠, a program that delivers 24/7 care at home, like traditional house calls.
New for 2019, members will be eligible to receive a $20 reward card, up to $60 after receiving certain preventive services, including their annual wellness visit, colorectal cancer and/or breast cancer screening. Medicare Advantage members will also have access to a doctor 24/7 through Telemedicine hosted by Doctor On Demand.
Individuals can choose the best Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage plan for their health care needs during the Oct. 15 – Dec. 7 annual enrollment period. Once enrolled, their new plan will take effect Jan. 1, 2019.
“Health care needs vary from year to year, and it’s critically important that seniors have the coverage that’s right for them,” added Busch. “Our team is readily available to answer any questions and help members enroll for 2019 coverage.”
Medicare Advantage members can visit BlueCross BlueShield’s Medicare Centers weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon to discuss their coverage options face-to-face with enrollment specialists. Centers are located at the Maple and Transit Plaza in Amherst, NY, Sheridan and Eggert Plaza in Tonawanda, NY, and next to M&T Bank in the Orchard Fresh Plaza in Orchard Park, NY.
Additionally, individuals can visit community meetings located across the Western New York region, call a dedicated Medicare Advantage number at 1-800-248-9296 (TTY 711), 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., 7 days a week email SalesCenterWNY@bcbswny.com, or visit bcbswny.com/medicare for information on BlueCross BlueShield’s 2019 Medicare Advantage products.
About BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York
BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York is a division of HealthNow New York Inc., an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. Since 1936, BlueCross BlueShield has helped millions of people lead healthier lives. BlueCross BlueShield offers a full range of insured, self-insured, and government programs and services covering businesses, families, and individuals, as well as life and disability coverage, dental and vision plans and stop-loss coverage. As a community-based, not-for-profit health plan, BlueCross BlueShield contributes significantly to organizations that strengthen and enrich the health of our community.
For up-to-date news, facts, and information about the company, leadership, and industry, please visit the BlueCross BlueShield News Center at bcbswny.com/news or follow us on Twitter.
BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York is a Medicare Advantage plan with a Medicare contract
and enrollment depends on contract renewal.
About our BlueCross BlueShield’s benefits and premiums
This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information.
Benefits, premium, and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. The formulary, pharmacy network, and/or provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary. Eligible beneficiaries must use network pharmacies to access their prescription drug benefit, except under non-routine circumstances, and quantity limitations and restrictions may apply.
About enrollment
Individuals must have both Parts A and B to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. Individuals may enroll in a plan only during specific times of the year. There are additional enrollment guidelines. Contact BlueCross BlueShield for more information.
About our partners
SilverSneakers® is a registered mark of Tivity Health, Inc. Tivity Health is an independent company that administers the SilverSneakers® gym benefit. Care at Home ℠is a program for BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York members and is administered by Landmark Health. Doctor On Demand is an independent company that administers the telemedicine benefit.