Capital BlueCross Announces Lower Costs, More Benefits for Medicare Plans in 21 Pennsylvania Counties

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 4, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Capital BlueCross today announced Medicare Advantage plan options for 2017 featuring lower premiums, lower out-of-pocket costs and expanded benefits. The locally-based health insurer's BlueJourney HMO and BlueJourney PPO plans are available to Medicare-eligible individuals within its 21-county Pennsylvania service area.

"More than an insurance company, Capital BlueCross is a partner in our community's health," said Debbie Rittenour, senior vice president of government programs at Capital BlueCross. "With our BlueJourney HMO and BlueJourney PPO plans, individuals in our community who are eligible for Medicare now have options from their hometown health plan with more of what they are looking for including more protection, more benefits and more savings. Throughout the Medicare open enrollment period, we are here to help individuals understand how Medicare works and help them evaluate their options."

Capital BlueCross is offering three BlueJourney HMO plan options and two BlueJourney PPO plan options. Features common to many of the plans include:

• Affordable monthly premiums (BlueJourney HMO plans with premiums as low as $0)
• One of the area's largest networks of doctors and hospitals
• Primary care visits as low as $5
• No deductibles to satisfy before medical and prescription drug benefits begin
• Monthly allowance for over-the-counter drugs
• Expanded dental benefits for 2017
• Routine vision and hearing benefits including a hearing aid allowance
• 100% coverage with no copays for preventive screenings and immunizations including pneumonia and flu shots

Additionally, BlueJourney HMO and BlueJourney PPO plans include:

• Free membership at a Silver&Fit^® fitness club or two free Silver&Fit home fitness kits
• A televisit benefit that enables customers to use a smartphone, tablet or computer to see a doctor anytime, from anywhere, for common health problems (BlueJourney PPO only)
• 24/7 access to Nurse Line, which connects customers to a Registered Nurse or to recorded information on more than 1,100 health topics

The BlueJourney HMO and BlueJourney PPO Medicare Advantage plan names are replacing the company's SeniorBlue HMO and SeniorBlue PPO Medicare Advantage plan names. This change has no impact on Medicare beneficiaries who are currently enrolled in SeniorBlue HMO and SeniorBlue PPO plans.

Following the initial enrollment period, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) annual enrollment period, October 15 to December 7, allows individual Medicare beneficiaries to enroll in or change a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan with a January 1, 2017 effective date.

Throughout the annual enrollment period, Capital BlueCross is offering free informational seminars to help Medicare beneficiaries understand their Medicare options. To find and register to attend a seminar, visit CapitalBlueMedicare.com or call 1-800-990-4201 (TTY: 711). A sales person will be present with information and applications. For accommodation of persons with special needs at sales meetings, beneficiaries should call 1-800-990-4201 (TTY: 711).

Medicare beneficiaries also can visit a Capital Blue store to meet with a representative in person. Locations and hours are available at CapitalBlueStore.com.

Capital BlueCross' BlueJourney HMO and BlueJourney PPO plans also can be purchased through one of the company's licensed brokers or agents.

Important Information for Medicare Beneficiaries

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 may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium.

About Capital BlueCross

Capital BlueCross, headquartered in Harrisburg, Pa., is the leading health solutions and insurance company in central Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley. A partner in the community's health for nearly 80 years, Capital BlueCross offers health insurance products, services and technology solutions that provide peace of mind to consumers and promote health and wellness for our customers.

More than a health insurer, the company delivers innovative solutions through a family of diversified businesses that is creating a healthier future and lowering health care costs. Among these solutions are patient-focused care models, leading-edge data analytics, and digital health technologies. Additionally, Capital BlueCross is growing a network of Capital Blue stores that provide in-person service and inspiration to help people reach their health goals. Capital BlueCross is an independent licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association. For more information, visit capbluecross.com.

BlueJourney PPO is offered by Capital Advantage Insurance Company^®, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. BlueJourney  HMO is offered by Keystone Health Plan^® Central, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in BlueJourney PPO and BlueJourney HMO depends on contract renewal.

Y0016_17_050 Accepted 10042016

SOURCE Capital BlueCross

Related Links

http://capbluecross.com