April 2010

New BlueElite Medicare Supplements Plans

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is introducing a new, modernized line of Medicare Supplement plans called BlueElite that will replace BlueCross65 plans beginning with June 1, 2010, effective dates. BlueElite will include plans A, D and F, but new M and N plans will not be offered at this time. BlueElite members will be required to complete a new application and answer underwriting questions to upgrade or downgrade benefits except within their Initial Coverage Election Period surrounding their 65th birthday.

Members who already have BlueCross65 can continue with their plan coverage, but would be required to go through underwriting if they choose one of the new BlueElite plans. The only exception to the underwriting would occur if the BlueCross65 member were still in their Initial Coverage Election Period surrounding their 65th birthday. Plan premiums will be based on gender, age and tobacco use.

The last new effective date for BlueCross65 plans will be May 31, 2010. BlueCross65 applications must be received by May 30, 2010. Please recycle your BlueCross65 stock at the end of May.

Agents are required to submit a new Medicare Supplement Products Agreement to market and sell the BlueElite products. Please contact the general agency that you currently work through or BlueCross at the phone number below to request your new agreement.

Attached you will find information on the new BlueElite product as well as a commission addendum.

For more information or if you have questions, please contact the general agency that you currently work through. If you work directly with BlueCross, please call our Community Programs office support team at 1-800-351-9325 and choose Option 1 for Medicare Products.