BCBSMA Introduces Zero Premium Plan [Professional Services Close – Up]

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA), which offers the nation's top-ranked Medicare PPO plan in the country and is among the highest-rated Medicare HMO plans in the nation, according to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)1, announced a suite of affordable options available for Medicare beneficiaries in 2014.

As described by the Company, they include:

-New zero premium Medicare Advantage PPO Blue SaverRx plan, and other Medicare Advantage plans up to 23 percent lower than 2013 rates.

-Affordable dental plan options, including two new plans, ranging from $24-$53 a month.

-Reduced premiums of up to nearly 5 percent on Medex plans open to new members.

-Medicare Prescription Drug plans at reduced monthly rates of up to 14 percent.

"There are great products available to seniors and those eligible for Medicare in 2014; we encourage everyone to take a careful look at the many affordable options available to them during the fall open enrollment period," said Ken Arruda, Executive Director of Medicare Markets for BCBSMA. "Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has been dedicated to serving seniors and Medicare beneficiaries for nearly five decades, and our continued focus to make quality health care affordable for our members, has allowed us to introduce a zero premium PPO plan, Medicare PPO Blue SaverRx, as well as new affordable dental options."

By using BCBSMA's new online plan comparison tool, bluecrossma.com/medicare, seniors and those eligible for Medicare can evaluate their options to find the right plan for them and can even enroll online, the Company noted in a release.

Monthly premiums of BCBSMA's 2014 Medicare offerings are:

Medicare Advantage - Includes hospital and medical coverage, plus additional benefits including routine vision care, dental care, and prescription drug coverage.

-PPO Plans: Offer members the flexibility to receive the same care, and with some plans pay the same out-of-pocket costs for most covered benefits whether they see a Medicare provider in or out-of- network, with no referral requirements.

-New Medicare PPO Blue (SaverRx) - $0 premium.

-Medicare PPO Blue ValueRx - $51

-Medicare PPO Blue PlusRx - $124

-HMO Plans: Members must choose a primary care provider to manage their care and referrals.

-Medicare HMO Blue ValueRx - $26

-Medicare HMO Blue PlusRx - $167

Medex - Covers co-insurance for doctor visits, home visits, and ambulatory care.

-Medex Core - $92.64; covers many expenses after Medicare Part A and B's annual deductibles are met.

-Medex Bronze - $175.10; covers 100 percent of the Part A and B deductibles.

Blue MedicareRx (Medicare Part D)2 - Prescription drug coverage plans.

-Blue MedicareRx Value Plus - $33.30; comprehensive Part D plan offering many generics for as low as $1 for up to a 90 day supply.

-Blue MedicareRx Premier -$99.70; provides enhanced benefits for generic drugs in the Part D coverage gap, with many generics available for as low as $4 for up to a 90 day supply.

Dental

-Dental Blue 65 Preventive - $23.73; provides diagnostic and prevention coverage such as preventing tooth decay and other forms of oral disease.

-Dental Blue 65 Basic - NEW $35.30 plan; provides 100 percent coverage for all services covered under Dental Blue 65 Preventive, plus 50 percent coverage for other services ranging from minor restorative treatment to prosthetic maintenance.

-Dental Blue 65 Premier - NEW $53.20 plan; provides 100 percent coverage for all services covered under Dental Blue 65 Preventive, plus 80 percent coverage for all services covered under Dental Blue 65 Basic, plus 50 percent coverage for services such as tooth replacement, and major restorative treatments like crowns.

Learn More

Individuals with Medicare can choose the best Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage plan for their health care needs during the October 15-December 7, open enrollment period. A BCBSMA Medex or Dental Blue 65 Preventive plan can be selected at any time of the year. To learn more about BCBSMA's Medicare coverage options, list of covered medications, and online and face-to-face sales seminars visit: bluecrossma.com/medicare or call 1-800-678-2265 (TTY: 1-800-522-1254), from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., seven days a week through December 7.

Seniors and Medicare beneficiaries can also contact CMS for additional information by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or a Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders (SHINE) counselor can be reached by calling 1-800- 243-4636.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is a community-focused, tax-paying, not-for-profit health plan headquartered in Boston.

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