PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Oct. 21, 2024) — As Medicare’s annual enrollment period (AEP) kicks off for 2025, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI) continues to offer plans for Medicare-eligible Rhode Islanders that remain the highest-rated in the Rhode Island market. 

The U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has awarded a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars to all BCBSRI Medicare Advantage plans that are continuing into 2025. No other Medicare Advantage plans offered to Rhode Islanders for 2025 scored higher. 

Of the 521 Medicare Advantage plans rated nationwide by CMS for 2025, fewer than 100 plans attained a rating of 4.5 stars or better (just seven received 5 stars). BCBSRI has attained a rating of 4.5 stars or better every year since 2022. 

“We’re thrilled to once again be offering the highest-rated Medicare Advantage plans for Rhode Island’s Medicare population," said Martha L. Wofford, president and CEO of BCBSRI. “CMS ratings are particularly meaningful to us because they are based on the actual experiences of our 75,000 Medicare Advantage members. We’re honored that we’ve earned their trust, which we work hard to win every day, and are grateful to our provider partners and associates, who consistently deliver high-quality services to our members."

According to CMS, the Star Ratings system “helps people with Medicare compare the quality of Medicare health and drug plans being offered so they are empowered to make the best health care decisions for themselves. An important component of this effort is to provide Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers meaningful information about quality, alongside information about benefits and costs, to assist them in comparing plans and choosing the Medicare coverage option that best fits their health needs."

Medicare’s annual enrollment period runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, presenting a quarter of the state’s population – about 240,000 eligible Rhode Islanders – with important health insurance opportunities and decisions. More than most years, 2025 brings significant changes to the popular Medicare Advantage marketplace that are vital for many Medicare-eligible Rhode Islanders to understand. 

These changes include a reduction in the annual out-of-pocket limit for prescription drugs (Medicare Part D) from $5,030 to $2,000 and new rules implemented by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on how health plans administer prescription benefits. Together these changes are impacting Medicare Advantage markets across the country. 

While many insurers are reducing benefits or pulling out of markets altogether, Rhode Islanders can continue to turn to BCBSRI -- locally based and independent for 85 years -- for Medicare Advantage options designed to meet a variety of health needs and budgets. Plan features include:

• An expansive network that includes all Rhode Island hospitals plus 12,000 providers
• $0 primary care visits and preventive services
• In-person services and classes at five Your Blue Store^SM locations across Rhode Island 
• A Flexible Benefit Card that makes it easy to pay for products and services and includes allowances for dental, vision, hearing and over-the-counter (OTC) purchases

Members who are satisfied with a BCBSRI Medicare Advantage plan that is continuing into 2025 can simply allow their coverage to automatically renew. All others may choose from a range of innovative plans and benefit choices.

“We know choosing a Medicare Advantage can be deeply personal and, for some, a bit overwhelming. That’s why we have many ways to help you, or someone you love, choose a plan that best meets your needs. Just give us a call, visit a Your Blue Store location or come to one of our community meetings," said Christina Pitney, senior vice president of government programs at BCBSRI. 

How to learn more about BCBSRI Medicare plans

Rhode Islanders can learn more about BCBSRI’s Medicare plans for 2025 through the following:

• Go to bcbsri.com/medicare
• Attend a sales meeting by registering at Events | Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island (bcbsri.com) 
• Visit one of our Your Blue Store℠ locations:
  • Cranston: Marshalls Plaza, 1400 Oaklawn Ave.
  • East Providence: Highland Commons, 71 Highland Ave.
  • Lincoln: Lincoln Commons, 622 George Washington Hwy.
  • Narragansett: Salt Pond Shopping Center, 91 Point Judith Rd.
  • Warwick: Cowesett Corners, 300 Quaker Ln.
• Non-members may call the Medicare Sales team at 1-800-505-2583 (TTY: 711).
• BCBSRI Members may call the Medicare Concierge team at (401) 277-2958 or 1-800-267-0439 (TTY: 711).
• For those inquiring about eligibility for Medicaid or Extra Help, call (401) 459-5477 or 1-855-430-9293 (TTY: 711).

Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5- star rating system. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Inscripción con Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island depende de la renovación del contrato.

Y0146_2025AEPRelease_M