Reviewing your Medicare plan each fall is a smart practice because plan details can change from year to year. The good news is that it doesn’t have to be stressful. Meeting with a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota health plan advisor can help you feel confident picking a plan during this year’s Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) that kicks off October 15 and ends December 7.

Just this month a new Blue Cross center opened in St. Cloud to serve central Minnesota residents, making it the fourth Blue Cross center location, joining Edina, Duluth and Roseville. There are full-time, licensed health plan advisors at each center that can help you compare plans and answer questions. The advisors are available for face-to-face meetings, telephone consultations or virtual visits. Consultations are available for members and non-members alike and are a complimentary service. Appointment scheduling is available online at bluecrossmn.com/centers.

Medicare Advantage plans in 2022

Nearly one in two Minnesotans on Medicare choose a Blue Cross plan.  And for good reason – Blue Cross has developed a wide range of Medicare plans to accommodate varying lifestyles and health plan needs across the state. And for 2022, Blue Cross has added benefits to its Medicare Advantage plans while keeping premiums flat, including:

• Comprehensive dental coverage for Medicare Advantage Choice and Complete
• Copays instead of coinsurance on certain diagnostic procedures for Medicare Advantage Choice and Complete, including $0 copays on diagnostic mammograms and colonoscopies for Medicare Advantage Complete
• More affordable prescriptions drugs for Medicare Advantage Choice members by eliminating the deductible for Tier 3 drugs

Top 3 things to discuss your Medicare advisor

Having a plan review session with a Medicare advisor is simple. If you don’t live near a center, you can still get help and information with one of our advisors virtually or by phone. During your consultation you can discuss:

1. The basics: dollars, doctors and drugs
   Provide your advisor with two lists – a list of your doctors and a list of your current prescription drugs. This information gives your Blue Cross Medicare advisor a great starting point to make sure that your doctor is in-network and the plan fits your needs, allowing you to compare costs beyond just the monthly premium. By looking at your specific prescription drug costs, you’ll have a better idea of your total costs including any drug deductibles that may apply and how much you’ll pay when picking up your prescription.
2. What if…?
   Above all, your Medicare plan gives you peace of mind that you are covered for both now and potential future health needs. Through a full review of your plan benefits, you can learn and ask questions about some of the finer points of your plan, from fitness benefits through SilverSneakers^® to home delivery meals after a hospital stay.
3. Travel benefits
   Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plans allow you to travel up to nine consecutive months per calendar year in the U.S. No matter where you are, emergency services are always covered. Some cost sharing may apply.

Making your Medicare decisions

Medicare’s annual enrollment period starts October 15 and ends December 7. Explore more and compare plans at bluecrossmn.com/medicare or make an appointment today to meet with a Blue Cross advisor at bluecrossmn.com/centers.

Editor's notes:

SilverSneakers^® is a registered trademark of Tivity Health, Inc., an independent company that provides health and fitness programs.

Blue Cross offers PPO, HMO-POS and Cost plans with Medicare contract and an HMO-SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Minnesota Medical Assistance program. Enrollment in these Blue Cross plans depends on contract renewal.