Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Announces Medicare Advantage Offerings for the 2016 Annual Enrollment Period

CHICAGO, Oct. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Medicare beneficiaries in Illinois continue to enjoy numerous options for health care coverage that provides them additional choice, flexibility and affordability. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) announces availability of its Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MAPD) HMO and PPO plans. Beginning October 15, Medicare eligible individuals can enroll in Blue Cross Medicare Advantage (HMO)^SM, Blue Cross Medicare Advantage (PPO) ^SM or Blue Cross MedicareRx (PDP) ^SM (Part D) for a January 1, 2016, effective date.

These products, approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), are part of the company's ongoing commitment to providing greater flexibility and increasing access to health care throughout the state. Blue Cross Medicare Advantage will be available with both HMO and PPO networks in Cook¹, DuPage, Kane and Will counties.

"Our MAPD and Medicare PDP products, along with Medicare Supplement insurance products, support our legacy of providing continuous health coverage to our members for more than 75 years. We are committed to providing Medicare-eligible beneficiaries offerings that increase choice, flexibility and value tailored to their individual needs," said David Goodson Vice President, Medicare, BCBSIL.

BCBSIL's MAPD products include a variety of features such as lower cost sharing, robust network options and benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, travel benefits, local transportation and worldwide emergency care. In addition, MAPD members can participate in the SilverSneakers^®* Fitness Program, which encourages physical activity through fitness center memberships and social events, at no additional cost in 2016.

"Our Medicare Advantage plans are anchored by primary care physicians and hospital systems that specialize in meeting the needs of our senior population," said Goodson. "Our plans also encourage seniors to become active participants in their health with educational resources and benefits like SilverSneakers^®, that provide seniors with access to benefits and tools that can help them achieve positive health outcomes."

BCBSIL's 2016 prescription drug plans (PDP) offers lower monthly premiums, reduced cost-sharing at preferred pharmacies, an expansive formulary of generic and brand prescription drugs and access to 65,000+ network pharmacies nationwide². The plans include different coverage levels to support the changing needs and lifestyles of the Medicare eligible population, including three plans offering prescription drug copays for some generics as low as $0.

For more information about enrolling, visit getblueil.com/mapd or call 1-866-886-0282, (TTY/TDD: 711), 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., local time, 7 days a week to speak to a licensed agent. If you are calling from February 15 through September 30, alternate technologies (for example, voicemail) will be used on weekends and holidays.

This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium.

Blue Cross®, Blue Shield® and the Cross and Shield Symbols are registered service marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans 
*SilverSneakers^® is a registered mark of Healthways, Inc.
Healthways SilverSneakers^® Fitness Program is a wellness program owned and operated by Healthways, Inc., an independent company.

This list and data are accurate as of the date this release was published. This list is subject to change without advanced notice. For the most current information, please visit getblue.com/mapd.

Medicare Advantage Plan Notice: HMO, HMO-POS and PPO plans available in Cook, DuPage, Kane and Will counties.  HMO, HMO-POS and PPO plans are provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company (HCSC), an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. HCSC is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in HCSC's plans depends on contract renewal.

Medicare Part D Plan Notice: Prescription drug plan provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, which refers to HCSC Insurance Services Company (HCSC), an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. A Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in HCSC's plan depends on contract renewal.

¹ Cook: 60062, 60453, 60462, 60056, 60025

² Source: http://www.bcbs.com/history/index.html (accessed August 2012)

Y0096_MRK_TMP_IL_PR16 Accepted 10012015

SOURCE Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois