Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) has launched two new medicare supplement insurance plans Plan G and N. The changes to the configuration of medicare supplement plans are the result of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA), which took effect on June 1, 2010.
BCBSIL has said that it will discontinue to sell Plan D and E, the current ‘Standard’ and ‘Select’ options. The current members of Plan D and E can stay with these plans as these are guaranteed renewable for life.
BCBSIL medicare supplement rates will not increase as a result of the MIPPA changes.
According to the company, members and those considering Plans G and N can enroll at anytime; there are no specific enrollment periods or deadlines.
All plans sold after June 1, 2010, will have an enhanced hospice benefit, which includes coverage for some outpatient prescription medications and copayments and coinsurance for inpatient respite care, which were previously the responsibility of the insured.
Katherine Wright, vice president of consumer markets for BCBSIL, said: “These are more opportunities to save money. There are new budget-friendly plans that require insured cost-sharing in exchange for lower premiums. Plans G and N will be available with ‘Standard’ and ‘Select’ options. The ‘Select’ option helps members save additional money by offering a select network of participating hospitals and is available with most plans.”