Blue Care Network expands territory to include 17 new counties offering Medicare Advantage plans

DETROIT, Oct. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network continue to increase access to health care for Michigan's seniors and disabled by adding 17 new counties in the BCN Advantage(SM) HMO-POS Michigan service area and leading the field on member-friendly plan offerings. BCN has also added My Choice Wellness, a new HMO plan in partnership with Mercy Health, to give residents access to low-cost, high-quality care in Kent, Oceana and Muskegon counties.

Already strong in 42 Michigan counties, the Blues' Medicare Advantage HMO-POS product reach will now extend to additional areas throughout Michigan and the northern portion of the state. The 17 new counties are Alcona, Antrim, Arenac, Branch, Cheboygan, Hillsdale, Iosco, Lake, Manistee, Mason, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, and Wexford, bringing the total number of counties served to 59.

"Medicare beneficiaries in those counties can now meet their coverage needs with BCN Advantage plans," says BCN Government Programs Director Betsy Geis. "BCN Advantage now covers two thirds of the state, and expanding our coverage area gives more people the opportunity to carry a Blue Cross card, giving them access to the best doctors and hospitals in Michigan."

BCN Advantage has added a new HMO plan, MyChoice Wellness, in West Michigan for Medicare-eligible individuals who are not covered by employer plans. The new plan is available to residents of Kent, Muskegon and Oceana counties. In addition, BCN Advantage is re-branding its HMO plan available to Wayne County residents. For 2014, the plan, which is intended to serve the county's diverse neighborhoods, will be renamed BCN Advantage Local.

"Our Medicare Advantage programs help make health care coverage more available, accessible and affordable," Geis added. "By expanding into other areas of the state and adding new coverage options, we're fulfilling that mission and meeting the needs of some of Michigan's most vulnerable residents."

BCN Advantage is an HMO-POS and HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in BCN Advantage depends on contract renewal. BCN Advantage is open to all individuals eligible for Medicare residing in the BCN Advantage service area. Members must be entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled in Part B. Enrolled members must use BCN Advantage network providers for routine care.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network are nonprofit corporations and independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. For more company information, visit http://www.bcbsm.com or MiBluesPerspectives.com.

SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan