This week we are reading about the proposed changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D and the new Medicare Supplement plans entering the market.
CMS proposes Medicare Advantage and Part D payment and policy updates to maximize competition and coverage | CMS | January 30, 2019
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released proposed changes that will take significant steps in continuing the agency’s efforts to maximize competition among Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. These proposals will increase plan choices and benefits and include important actions to address the opioid crisis.
“CMS is committed to modernizing Medicare and our top priority is to ensure that seniors have more choices and affordable options in receiving their Medicare benefits,” said CMS Administrator Seema Verma. “Medicare Advantage enrollment is at an all-time high as more and more seniors are choosing to enroll in private Medicare health and drug plans, and we need to maximize competition by providing plans the flexibility to meet patients’ needs.”
The proposed changes will expand opportunities for seniors to choose Medicare Advantage plans that for the first time are providing new supplemental benefits in 2019. Beginning with the 2019 plan year, Medicare Advantage plans can provide certain enrollees with access to different benefits and services. For the 2020 plan year and beyond, under statutory changes and the proposed guidance on which we are soliciting comment in today’s release, Medicare Advantage plans will have greater flexibility to offer chronically ill patients a broader range of supplemental benefits that are tailored to their specific needs, such as providing home-delivered meals or transportation for non-medical needs.
Read the full article on CMS.gov here.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Launches new Medicare Supplement Plan for Virginia Residents | Business Wire | February 11, 2019
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia (Anthem) is committed to giving consumers access to healthcare products and services that help them improve their health and well-being. As part of that commitment, Anthem is offering new a Medicare Supplement plan – Medicare Supplement Plan F – to Virginia residents who have Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare Part A and Part B do not cover many common healthcare costs, such as copayments and deductibles, often leaving consumers with significant healthcare expenses. Anthem’s Medicare Supplement plans offer coverage for these items.
“Anthem strives to meet the healthcare needs of consumers with innovative products and services that help them lead healthier lives,” said Tomas Orozco, President of the Anthem’s Medicare East Region. “We know that healthcare costs are of great concern for older adults so we aim to deliver services that address this issue while ensuring they receive the highest quality care.”
Virginia consumers will be able to enroll in Anthem’s new Medicare Supplement Plan F beginning April 1, 2019.
Read the full press release on Businesswire.com here.
Erie Family Life Insurance Company introduces Medigap insurance | PR Newswire | January 18, 2019
Erie Insurance now offers several supplemental insurance plans to cover the gaps associated with Medicare Parts A and B, also known as Original Medicare or Medicare.
“Selecting a Medicare Supplement is a big deal and who you buy it from matters,” said Colaizzo. “Erie Insurance was founded on the principle of providing the best possible coverage and service at the lowest possible cost, and we’ve carried that philosophy into our new Medigap coverage. People should buy from a company they can trust, and that they know will be there for them when they have questions.”
Erie Insurance Medicare Supplement plans, offered by Erie Family Life Insurance Company, based in Erie, Pa., are available in Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.