Blue Cross-Blue Shield offers greater choice for 2022 Medicare Plan

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) announced new choices in health plans for the Medicare-eligible population, building on the company's commitment to increasing access to quality, affordable care for all New Mexicans in 2022.

The new plan offerings include the Open Access Flex PPO plan, in which members can see any provider who accepts Medicare, including primary care physicians and specialists, without a copay. Members will enjoy a high level of cost certainty, as through the Flex PPO plan, members have $0 copays, coinsurance, and no out-of-pocket maximum.

"Our 2022 Medicare Advantage plans reflect the demand we're seeing for benefits beyond traditional Medicare, and we're focused on closing that gap," said Janice Torrez, BCBSNM president. "We are excited to bring additional choices and coverage to Medicare eligible individuals throughout our states that can meet their diverse health care needs."

In addition to the new Open Access Flex PPO plan, BCBSNM has additional $0 premium plans with expanded geographical presence throughout the state. These include new Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plan options, as the company focuses on providing affordable health care choices.

Plans will also provide access to a telehealth provider, so members can access care where they are when they need it. BCBSNM is offering Medicare plans in more counties than at any point in the company's history. The expansion includes six new counties, including Chavez, Curry, Otero, Quay, Roosevelt and Taos, increasing access to new coverage options for more than 50,000 additional Medicare-eligible individuals, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

With the expansion of the new counties, BCBSNM is offering Medicare plans in 12 counties throughout our expanded service area. The counties included in the service area are Bernalillo, Sandoval, Santa Fe, Torrance, Valencia, Doña Ana, Chaves, Otero, Taos, Curry, Roosevelt and Quay and will allow greater choice and flexibility for more than 300,000 Medicare eligible beneficiaries.

Premiums for BCBSNM's Medicare Advantage health plans and maximum out-of-pocket amounts will remain the same in 2022. Our plans will continue to offer competitive benefits for inpatient hospital stays, routine care and Part D prescription drugs. Additionally, some plans will offer supplemental benefits such as over-the-counter items, travel programs, and dental, vision, and hearing benefits.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) started October 15, 2021 and ends December 7, 2021. For more information, visit www.medicare.gov.

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 680,000 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. Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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