CHI joins Blue Cross Medicare network

Starting April 1, CHI Health facilities and affiliated doctors will join the health care network for people covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska'sMedicare Advantage plans.

Steve Grandfield, Blue Cross executive vice president, said in a press release Monday that the expanded network means more health care options for clients of Blue Cross'Medicare Advantage plans, which are available in Cass, Dodge, Douglas, Lancaster, Sarpy and Saunders Counties.

Dr. Cliff Robertson, chief executive of CHI Health, said the partnership will bring "value to health care. As we promised our community three years ago, CHI Health is committed to delivering the highest quality of care at the lowest cost."

The CHI network is called UniNet. CHI Health is part of Catholic Health Initiatives, a national nonprofit health system based in Englewood, Colorado.

This is the first year for Blue Cross'Medicare Advantage plan, although several other insurance companies offer the plans in parts of Nebraska.

Original Medicare has three benefits: Part A, for hospital coverage; Part B, for medical coverage; and Part D, for prescription drugs. Medicare Advantage plans combine the three into one package and can include extra benefits, such as vision, hearing and gym memberships.

The annual enrollment period is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, although people who become eligible for Medicare can sign up at other times.

steve.jordon@owh.com, 402-444-1080, twitter.com/buffettOWH