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Medicare’s annual enrollment period begins Oct. 15

Albuquerque, New Mexico — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is offering Medicare Advantage plans in 31 of New Mexico’s 33 counties* for the coming Medicare annual enrollment period.

The enrollment period begins Oct. 15 and continues through Dec. 7. This is the time each year when most Medicare beneficiaries can select or switch plans. Selected plans are effective Jan. 1.

MA plans are popular because they offer benefits beyond original Medicare. For example, most BCBSNM plans include routine vision, hearing aids with a copay, and some dental coverage. Other benefits available in some plans include: 

• Transportation to and from doctor’s offices and pharmacies in dual eligible special needs plans for people who qualify for Medicare and Medicaid.
• Home-delivered meals following hospitalization in a dual eligible plan.
• A monthly allowance for healthy groceries for dual eligible members with certain chronic conditions.
• Allowance for over-the-counter health-related products.
• Senior-oriented fitness programs through SilverSneakers^® Fitness program.

Some BCBSNM MA plans are available for $0 premium. Others give customers money back in their Social Security check. Benefits and premiums vary by plan and geography.

BCBSNM MA plans include a network of providers statewide, including about 4,200 primary care providers, 12,000 specialists and 300 hospitals and other health care facilities.

Additionally, BCBSNM offers Medicare supplement insurance plans, Medicare supplement plus plans and Blue Cross MedicareRx^℠ prescription drug plans statewide. Medicare supplement insurance plans pair with original Medicare, filling coverage gaps. They are generally sold with a prescription drug plans to cover prescriptions. Medicare supplement plus plans may include dental and vision coverage as well as access to the SilverSneakers^® Fitness program.

“We offer Medicare customers a wide variety of choices to fit their every budget, lifestyle and health need, all delivered by a brand that they’ve come to know and trust for more than 85 years,” said BCBSNM President Janice Torres.

Visit www.bcbsnm.com/medicare/shop-plans for information. Call 1-866-286-6159 (TTY 711) between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week, for enrollment questions. For enrollment assistance, Medicare specialists will host walk-in hours 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday - Friday now through Dec. 6 at BCBSNM headquarters, 5701 Balloon Fiesta Parkway. These events are open to everyone.

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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico is one of the largest commercial health insurers in New Mexico with approximately 700,000 New Mexicans carrying a Blue Cross and Blue Shield card. Since 1940, BCBSNM has been committed to promoting the health and wellness of its members and communities through accessible, cost-effective, quality health care. BCBSNM is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, the country’s largest customer-owned health insurer. 

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

HMO and PPO plans provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company (HCSC). PPO plan provided by HCSC Insurance Services Company (HISC). HCSC and HISC are Independent Licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. HCSC and HISC are Medicare Advantage organizations with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in these plans depends on contract renewal.

Prescription drug plans provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, which refers to Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company (HCSC), an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. A Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in HCSC's plans depends on contract renewal.

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans are offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

These plans have eligibility requirements, exclusions and limitations. For costs and complete details (including outlines of coverage), call a licensed insurance agent.

As long as you are a New Mexico resident, age 65 or older, have Medicare Part A and are within the six months following your enrollment for Medicare Part B, your acceptance is guaranteed.

"Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or Federal Medicare Program."

*Hidalgo and Union counties are not included.

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Amanda Douglas
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