When it comes to healthcare and health insurance, much of our nation’s attention has been focused in recent weeks on the opening of the insurance marketplace which began October 1st. That system, a result of the Affordable Care Act, is designed to provide access to insurance for millions of previously uninsured Americans.
Meantime, there is another period of Open Enrollment underway. Medicare holds its Annual Election Period (AEP) from October 15th-December 7th, and now is the time when Medicare Beneficiaries can update or change their health plan and prescription drug coverage for 2014. Florida Blue, the state’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan, is canvassing the state with educational and informational sessions and seminars to ensure Medicare recipients, their caregivers and providers are working together to make the most informed choices.
Florida Blue is the state’s health care leader. It has served the people of Florida for over 65 years and Medicare beneficiaries for more than 25 years. Now more than ever, Florida Blue is focused on personalized solutions, face-to-face care and support and innovative tools to help Medicare recipients navigate the system.
Medicare Open Enrollment means that individuals 65 or older, or within three months of their 65th birthday, are eligible for the benefits. There are some new plans, benefits and features for beneficiaries. Florida Blue Medicare Advantage Plans offer Coordination of Care between providers and members, plus a unique partnership with physicians and patients. Also, with five locations across South Florida, a 6th opening soon, plus a dozen more across the state, Florida Blue Retail Centers offer something no other insurance company is doing: a place for face-to-face guidance and support. These Centers are holding regular Medicare Seminars and other classes. At the Centers, there are Care Navigators, Nurses, Service Advocates and Sales Representatives who can help members and non-members with a variety of concerns. These innovative Centers truly help complete the “Circle of Care” by offering: a comprehensive Health Assessment and information on Wellness and Prevention Programs, Skilled Nursing and Care Transitions, Chronic Condition Management plus much more. Other seminars are taking place every day at locations across the community including hotel conference locations, community centers and local meeting halls.
Florida Blue understands the Medicare system can be intimidating or confusing. Whether it is on-line, on-the- phone or in-person, the goal is to work with each person on making a personalized plan and benefit decision. Whether it’s a Medicare Advantage plan, a Medicare Supplement/Medigap plan or a Part-D Prescription plan, it is important to compare the coverage, benefits and prices side-by-side. For many beneficiaries, it’s about access to pharmacies nationwide and ensuring the doctors you love are in the network. Others want benefits like SilverSneakers® – an innovative health and fitness program helping people live active and independent lifestyles. Some Florida Blue plans include a complimentary membership. Prescription benefits as well as routine Dental, Vision and Hearing services are what matters to others. The important thing is that Florida Blue can help explain it all. Plus, all policies include a host of tools to help you evaluate your health, manage any chronic conditions and understand your costs. For example, a tool called “Know Before You Go” helps calculate costs for many procedures, including complex surgeries, before you ever get to the doctor.
The healthcare system in the United States is going through its most transformative time in history. That’s why Florida Blue is committed to helping find solutions for everyone in Florida – individuals, families, Medicare beneficiaries, businesses of all sizes as well as Caregivers, Physicians and other healthcare providers. It’s about working together – helping each individual in their pursuit of health. Florida Blue is here for you!
