Anthem Blue Cross Tosses It’s Freedom Blue Medicare Advantage Plan Members A Curve Ball

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
San Leandro, California, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) October 19, 2011 -- Anthem Blue Cross Tosses It’s Freedom Blue Medicare Advantage Plan Members A Curve Ball

On October 1 California Anthem Blue Cross announced that it would not be renewing the enormously popular Freedom Blue Medicare Advantage plans for the 2012 plan year. These plans have full Part A hospitalization and Part B medical coverage with modest copays and deductibles for a $0 monthly premium. The most popular plan included a gold formulary Part D prescription plan at no additional cost.

This action will compel the many thousands of plan members (this author is also a plan member) to scramble to find other coverage, either from Anthem Blue Cross or from other carriers.

When you lose your Medicare Advantage plan, as in this situation, you have special rights and protections. You once again have the same guaranteed issue rights you had when you turned 65 and first became eligible for Medicare. When you have guaranteed issue rights, the insurance company must sell you a policy, must cover pre-existing conditions, and cannot charge you more because of any past or present health problems.

Here are the coverage options you should consider:

1. You may choose to join another Medicare Advantage plan with health and prescription drug coverage even if you have End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) during this fall’s Annual Election Period (AEP). The AEP is different this year from last year. It begins on October 15 and ends December 07.

2. You may do nothing and revert back to Original Medicare Parts A and B. on January 1, 2012. You may need to enroll in a stand alone Part D plan to avoid any future penalty.

3. You may choose to enroll in a Medigap plan, especially if your health is poor or if you are expecting to require expensive health care procedures. You may apply for a Medigap policy at any time between now and no later than March 03, 2010. If you leave the Freedom Blue Plan before December 31, 2011, you have 63 calender days from the day that your coverage ends to apply for a Medigap policy. Since Medigap plans do not have prescription coverage, you will also need to enroll in a stand alone Part D plan to avoid any future penalty.

There is no need to panic. Your coverage will last until December 31 of this year. My role as your broker is to help you determine which options are best for your unique health care needs and budget. We have resources that can quickly help us determine the most cost effective plans in your area. We can locate the plans that have services from your doctors, hospitals, and clinics. We can help you select dental and vision care from several option plan providers. We will find solutions for each of our valued clients.

For More Information, contact:

Brian J Schroeder - LUTC CA License 0E01812
AdvoCare Insurance Services
2450 Washington Avenue, Suite 190
San Leandro, CA 94577
510-352-7522 office
510-352-7525 fax
Toll free 800-536-7522

http://medicareassure.com/

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