Blue Cross of N.C. and HMO Standard Plan Cancellation (medical, doctor)

[166Prospecr]

received a letter from Blue Cross of North Carolina today 9/24/14. they are cancelling my HMO Standard plan. Per their letter: If you don't take action before December 31, you will lose your prescription drug coverage and only had Original Medicare starting January 1, 2015. Because your plan will no long be offered, you can join a new plan anytime between October 15, 2014 and Februay 28, 2015. If you don't join a plan with prescription drug coverage by February 28,2015, you won't have prescription drug coverage and you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty if you join a drug plan later. If you choose a plan after December 31, 2014 but before February 28, 2015, your coverage will begin the first day of the month after you make a selection. How wonderful of Blue Cross, happy Halloween, Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Any other seniors out there with any ideas of a good health policy for seniors.

[alaskaboy]

Originally Posted by 166Prospecr

received a letter from Blue Cross of North Carolina today 9/24/14. they are cancelling my HMO Standard plan. Per their letter: If you don't take action before December 31, you will lose your prescription drug coverage and only had Original Medicare starting January 1, 2015. Because your plan will no long be offered, you can join a new plan anytime between October 15, 2014 and Februay 28, 2015. If you don't join a plan with prescription drug coverage by February 28,2015, you won't have prescription drug coverage and you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty if you join a drug plan later. If you choose a plan after December 31, 2014 but before February 28, 2015, your coverage will begin the first day of the month after you make a selection. How wonderful of Blue Cross, happy Halloween, Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Any other seniors out there with any ideas of a good health policy for seniors.

Their computer models probably showed them they'd save $13 in the coming year by canceling it, so they did. Simple as that!

[Ariadne22]

Originally Posted by 166Prospecr

Any other seniors out there with any ideas of a good health policy for seniors.

A good health policy for seniors depends on your particular health issues, the zipcode in which you live, and the doctors you wish to see.

Sounds like you had a Medicare Advantage plan - as those are HMOs, and most do include drugs, and restrict coverage to their doctors.

On or about October 15, the beginning of Medicare open enrollment, go to medicare.gov, and search available plans for your zipcode. You can search either by Medicare Health Plan (Advantage plans w/drugs), or Medigap Supplement plans - which do not include drugs and require you purchase additional coverage through Medicare Part D if drugs are concern for you.

Start by asking your medical providers which Advantage plans they participate in, if you want to continue with an Advantage plan. Also talk to a good insurance broker familiar with Medigap and Advantage plans in your area.

Good thing about this - because your plan is being cancelled, you are not subject to medical underwriting.

If you can consider a Medigap which provides complete doctor flexibility (no network/no HMO) and don't have expensive chronic health issues, consider purchasing a high-deductible Medigap F and a Part D plan. Good discussion on the value of an hd-F, here:

https://www.city-data.com/forum/healt...dicare-hi.html

Ignore the "Texas" - principles discussed apply in every state.

[quietstormnc]

There are other plans that you can sign up for similar to your HMO plan. Call the customer service number on the back of your ID card for assistance.

[Ariadne22]

Originally Posted by quietstormnc

There are other plans that you can sign up for similar to your HMO plan. Call the customer service number on the back of your ID card for assistance.

How, exactly, will BCBS customer service be able to help this OP find a plan with a competing company?