BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee announced that its BlueChoice Medicare Advantage HMO product, previously only available in two counties, is offered in 65 counties during this year’s Annual Enrollment Period which began Oct. 15. There will also be a new BlueChoice Plus product available in the same counties. The plans become effective Jan. 1, 2015 for Medicare-eligible Tennesseans who enroll.
BlueChoice plans feature premiums and deductibles as low as $0, including coverage for prescription drugs.
These plans also provide additional benefits not covered by traditional Medicare, like vision, hearing and dental services. The product focuses on giving members access to care through closer coordination with a member’s self-selected primary care physician. Members also get a free Silver Sneakers fitness membership, local customer service and access to a 24/7 nurse-line for questions about their health.
“Medicare-eligible Tennesseans want more options and our goal is to ensure we listen to our customers and have products available that meet their needs,” said Todd Ray, director of Medicare product strategy for BlueCross’ senior care division. “With our new HMO plans, the primary care doctor is at the center of the member’s care. This model helps our members stay healthy and get access to free preventive care. Your primary care physician knows if you haven’t seen her for your yearly wellness check-up. And if you haven’t, she’s going to pick up the phone and make sure you get scheduled. It’s a higher level of attention from your primary care physician.”
More than 1.2 million Tennesseans are eligible for Medicare and in the past three years BlueCross’ Medicare Advantage enrollment has grown to more than 71,000 members.
“Medicare-eligible customers want more options – our goal is to ensure we have products that meet the needs of all Tennesseans,” Mr. Ray concluded.