December 2009
Important Information for Your Clients Changing from BlueAdvantage to BlueCross 65
With an economy that has been unpredictable and many questions about Medicare coverage, you may find more of your clients requesting a change from their BlueAdvantage Plan to a BlueCross 65 Plan. The following information will be helpful when your clients have questions or would like more information.
Members can leave their Medicare Advantage plans and return to Medicare during the following periods:
Annual Election Period: Now until Dec. 31, 2009
- Members can leave their Medicare Advantage plan and return to Medicare with the option of purchasing a Medicare Supplement
- Members can enroll in an Medicare Advantage plan with or without Part D drug coverage
- Change Medicare Advantage Plans
Open Enrollment Period: Jan. 1, 2010 – Mar. 31, 2010 (Members can make one change)
- Members can leave their Medicare Advantage plan and return to Medicare with the option of purchasing a Medicare Supplement
- Members can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan without drug coverage
- Members can change Medicare Advantage plans equivalent to current drug coverage
Special Election Period
- A Special Election Period exists for members if a Medicare Advantage plan withdraws from their market or the member moves out of the service area.
Medicare Advantage members may apply for a guarantee-issue Medicare Supplement in the following situations:
- The member joined a Medicare Advantage plan when they first enrolled in Medicare and leaves the plan within 12 months of joining
- The member terminated a Medicare Supplement policy to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan for the first time, and then leaves the plan within 12 months of enrolling
- The member leaves a Medicare Advantage plan service area or Medicare program altogether
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