Philadelphia – This week is the start of the 2019 Annual Election Period for Medicare and Independence Blue Cross (Independence) is meeting seniors where they live, work, and play throughout October to ensure they know how to choose a Medicare plan, enroll, and get the most from their health benefits.
Independence and its licensed sales agents will be traveling throughout the community to help seniors understand the best health plan options for their individual needs. Individuals can speak to licensed sales agents at one of the new Dedicated Senior Medical Centers on the following dates and times:
October 18 at 9 a.m.
- Dedicated Senior Medical Center in Mayfair (6431 Sackett Street, Philadelphia, PA 19149)
October 19 at 9 a.m.
- Dedicated Senior Medical Center in Olney (5675 N. Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19120)
October 23 at 9 a.m.
- Dedicated Senior Medical Center in Mayfair (6431 Sackett Street, Philadelphia, PA 19149)
- Dedicated Senior Medical Center in North Philadelphia (2101 West Lehigh Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131)
October 24 at 9 a.m.
- Dedicated Senior Medical Center in Olney (5675 N. Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19120)
- Dedicated Senior Medical Center in West Philadelphia (1575 N. 52nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19131)
October 30 at 9 a.m.
- Dedicated Senior Medical Center in North Philadelphia (2101 West Lehigh Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131)
- Dedicated Senior Medical Center in West Philadelphia (1575 N. 52nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19131)
October 31 at 9 a.m.
- Dedicated Senior Medical Center in Olney (5675 N. Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19120)
Seniors can also participate in informal discussions at over forty different CVS locations throughout the community, including:
- 3943 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA 19020
- 1991 Sproul Road, Broomall, PA 19008
- 160 S. Main Street, Doylestown, PA, 18901
- 5001 Township Line Road, Drexel Hill, PA 19026
- 840 Valley Forge Road, Lansdale, PA 19446
- 1901 West Oregon Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19145
- 6501 Harbison Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19149
- 2870 Moreland Road, Willow Grove, PA 19090
Prospective members can learn more about Independence’s Medicare offerings by visiting www.ibxmedicare.com or calling 1-877-393-6733 and signing up for one of a number of informational meetings being held now until the end of the year throughout southeastern Pennsylvania. Current members can call the number on the back of their card if they have questions about their current Medicare Advantage plan or 2019 options.
Enrollment rules and options
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services generally permits individual Medicare beneficiaries to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or Part D plan only during the six-week annual enrollment period, from October 15 to December 7. In 2019 individuals will also have one opportunity to change to another Medicare plan after January 1, 2019 and before March 31, 2019.