Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) has expanded Medicare Advantage coverage to 11 additional counties in Nebraska.
“This expansion allows us to reach even more Nebraskans with a full portfolio of health insurance options for individuals who are Medicare eligible,” Tom Gilsdorf, director, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska said.
The new counties are Buffalo, Hall, Adams, Hamilton, Merrick, Madison, Platte, Polk, York, Johnson and Nemaha. Now, Medicare eligible residents in 26 Nebraska counties can select affordable plans with prescription drug coverage plus a new over-the-counter benefit in 2020.
Plans include dental, hearing, vision and other benefits like a Silversneakers gym membership that go beyond original Medicare. Travel benefits are available too. Also new for 2020, a PPO plan that will have in and out-of-network copays.
“We’ve improved the benefits to reflect the active lifestyles that today’s Medicare eligible Nebraskans expect,” Gilsdorf said. “It was important to us to have options that fit different budgets too, which is why we are introducing PPO and HMO offerings, along with our Medicare Supplement plans that are available statewide.”
Fall Medicare Open enrollment begins October 15 and continues to December 7. BCBSNE will hold educational seminars across the 26 county Medicare Advantage service area during that time. If you’re new to Medicare a seminar is an opportunity to learn more about options. If you are already enrolled, it’s important to review your current Medicare health and drug coverage and make changes if needed during open enrollment.
“Just like you review your finances or get your annual physical, now is the time to meet with a health insurance expert, someone who can help you determine what plan works best for your situation,” Gilsdorf said. “Health insurance is complicated and talking with someone will help you navigate better.”
For more information about the seminars and Medicare plans go to medicare.nebraskablue.com
