The Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare, a time when individuals can sign up or make changes to their Medicare plans, ends on December 7. Independence Blue Cross (Independence), wants to be sure that eligible individuals secure a plan that best meets their needs. Some important questions to consider when comparing plans include:
- Will my doctor or hospital remain in-network?
- Does the plan support my health conditions?
- Will my medications be covered?
- Are supplemental benefits like dental, hearing, and vision included?
- Are the costs reasonable for the value?
- What is the plan’s Star Rating?
“Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan can be overwhelming, especially this year when there are more options available than there have been in a decade,” said Heidi Syropoulos, M.D., medical director for Government Markets at Independence. “It’s important for individuals to know that as a regional health plan, Independence Blue Cross is committed to helping them find a plan that meets their coverage needs. We know the Philadelphia five-county area, we have relationships with local doctors and hospitals, and we’re here to make the process easier for them.”
Independence’s 2022 Medicare Advantage offerings feature enhanced benefits and two new PPO plans: Personal Choice 65SM Elite Rx PPO and zero-dollar monthly premium Personal Choice 65SM Saver Rx PPO. The offerings also include Independence’s tried-and-true Keystone 65 HMO and Personal Choice 65 PPO plans with zero-dollar monthly premiums for some plans, zero-dollar Tier 1 preferred generics by mail or at preferred pharmacies, no medical or prescription deductibles, and the comfort of not needing referrals.
“Another advantage to having an Independence plan is that they are highly rated by CMS,” said Dr. Syropoulos. “Our Keystone 65 HMO plan is the only Medicare Advantage HMO plan and Select Option® Rx PDP is the only employer group prescription drug plan available in our region to earn 5 out of 5 stars. Independence’s Personal Choice 65SM PPO plan also received 4.5 stars out of 5 stars, CMS’s second-highest rating.”
Those signing up for an Independence Medicare Advantage plan in 2022 will also continue to benefit from core offerings like a free fitness membership, and routine podiatry and chiropractic coverage. Plus, members can use a nurse hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and access the personal health visit program through which members can meet with a nurse practitioner in their home to discuss their health, medications, and/or any other health-related questions they may have.
“No one has to navigate Medicare alone,” said Dr. Syropoulos. “Our Member Help Team is ready to assist current and prospective members make important decisions about their health care coverage for the upcoming year.”
Current and prospective members can attend one of Independence’s free seminar events now through December 7 to learn more about its 2022 Medicare Advantage plans. Licensed sales agents will be available at the prospective member events to answer questions.
Prospective members can also visit ibxmedicare.com/value2022 or call 1-877-393-6733 (TTY/TDD: 711) seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for more information. Current members can visit ibxmedicare.com or call the number on the back of their member ID card if they have questions about their current Medicare Advantage plan or 2022 options.
Media Contact:
Diana Quattrone
215-815-7828 (cell)
Diana.Quattrone@ibx.com
Independence Blue Cross offers Medicare Advantage plans with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Independence Medicare Advantage plans depends on contract renewal.
Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system.
Independence Blue Cross offers products through its subsidiaries Independence Hospital Indemnity Plan, Keystone Health Plan East and QCC Insurance Company — independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
Please note that on weekends and holidays from April 1 through September 30, your call may be sent to voicemail.
The transportation benefit is provided by Roundtrip, an independent company. The grocery benefit is provided by United By Blue, an independent company. MANNA is an independent company that administers our meals program benefit.
Independence Blue Cross complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-275-2583 (TTY/TDD: 711). 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-800-275-2583（TTY/TDD: 711）
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