Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, a health insurance provider, has announced that it will expand its BlueMedicare health maintenance organization and preferred provider organization plans into multiple new counties in Florida, US.

It is reported that the BlueMedicare preferred provider organization (PPO) is for people who want an affordable plan and also want the freedom to go out-of-network if they choose and still have coverage. BlueMedicare PPO is currently available in Broward, Escambia, Hillsborough, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota counties. The PPO plan offerings are being expanded into seven new counties: Alachua, Charlotte, Collier, Hernando, Highlands, Okaloosa and Osceola.

BlueMedicare health maintenance organization (HMO) is an alternative plan that includes prescription drug coverage and a dental benefit at no additional charge. BlueMedicare HMO is currently available in Broward, Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, Pinellas and Polk counties. In addition to these counties, the HMO offering is being expanded into Pasco County.

Barbara Benevento, group vice president for senior markets at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF), said: It is increasingly necessary to manage healthcare costs demands with sound planning and innovative ideas. By expanding our BlueMedicare HMO and PPO plans to additional counties we’ve increased access to our high-quality, comprehensive coverage plans for more beneficiaries.