Summer 2009

BCBSF offers BlueMedicare Group Supplement

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) now offers BlueMedicare^SM Group Supplement insurance plans. BlueMedicare Group Supplement is available to Medicare-eligible retirees, and their Medicare-eligible spouses, who are age 65 and older.

“This new option will help groups manage the rising health care costs for retiree coverage,” says Barbara Benevento, group vice president, Senior Markets. “In this economy, it is important for us to provide lower-cost solutions for employer groups so they can continue to offer coverage to their employees and retirees.”

Plans start as low as $125 per month and, depending on the plan selected, typically cover the copayments, deductibles and 20 percent coinsurance Medicare does not cover for Medicare-approved expenses. To qualify, applicants must:

• Be 65 or older;

• Be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B;

• Maintain their primary residence in Florida; and

• Be eligible for their employer’s plan.

As there is no network, a BlueMedicare Group Supplement member has the freedom to choose any doctor or hospital even when traveling throughout the United States. As long as Medicare approves the services, the BlueMedicare Group Supplement plan will pay the remaining approved charges based on the plan selected by the employer.

This new Medicare supplement solution is an addition to the suite of BCBSF group retiree options, including BlueMedicare Group Rx prescription drug benefit and BlueMedicare Group PPO, HMO and PFFS plans.