One in four Rhode Islanders are eligible for Medicare and for the second consecutive year, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is the only insurer in the state to receive the federal government’s highest rating for all its Medicare Advantage plans

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Oct. 19, 2022) – Annual enrollment for Medicare has just begun, kicking off a period when about 235,000 eligible Rhode Islanders have a choice to make for health coverage in 2023 – and once again just one insurer in the state, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI), has earned the federal government’s highest rating of 5-stars for all its plans.

Medicare enrollment runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 for plans that are effective Jan. 1, 2023.

BCBSRI, which a year ago became the first and only health insurer doing business in Rhode Island to receive 5-out-5 stars for every one of its Medicare Advantage plans, is alone in that top designation once again for 2023.

BCBSRI has also continued to enhance its plans by making them even more comprehensive, convenient and affordable, with coverage that meets a myriad of needs, including dental and vision. BCBSRI is also addressing social determinants of health – factors that affect our health, but which fall outside traditional medical services – through benefits related to food, fitness, transportation, and household help.

“We are proud to offer a range of choices for older Rhode Islanders to best meet their health needs, and all of our Medicare Advantage plans include a number of additional benefits intended to make it easier to get the care they need to stay well," said Melissa Cummings, executive vice president and chief customer officer for BCBSRI. “And anyone already covered by a Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plan need not do a thing if they wish to remain covered in 2023!"

For 2023, BCBSRI Medicare Advantage plans include:

• BlueCHiP for Medicare Value (HMO-POS): ideally suited for those looking to save money with a $0 premium and many no-cost benefits, including $0 primary care visits, labs, X-rays, and generic drugs, and no pharmacy deductible. This plan also has standard coverage for dental, hearing, and vision exams and hardware, including a $200 per year Flexible Benefit Card to pay for dental, hearing and vision out-of-pocket expenses (like copays), plus $60 a quarter for over-the-counter (OTC) health items.
• HealthMate for Medicare (PPO): Offers a wide national network and freedom to choose doctors, plus no referrals, gap coverage for Tier 1 and 2 prescription drugs, a $4,250 combined out-of-pocket maximum, flat-dollar copay for in-and out-of-network benefits (on most services) and a $2,000 dental benefit (including crowns). It also includes a $300 per year Flexible Benefit Card to pay for dental, hearing and vision expenses, plus $75 a quarter for OTC health items.

Both plans come with an insulin savings program featuring a $20 copay for 30-day supply (the lowest in Rhode Island), $0 national gym benefit and up to a $150 wellness reimbursement, $15 copays for acupuncture visits, and up to $50 per year for caregiver assistance.

BCBSRI is also offering the following plan for those who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid:

BlueRI for Duals (HMO-DSNP): An affordable $0 plan that comes with up to $17,000 per year in extra benefits, including $3,000 dental benefit (dentures and implants), $0 hearing aids and vision exams, a Flexible Benefit Card with $1,500 per year for dental, vision and hearing services, and $300 a year for glasses and contacts. Those who qualify for Extra Help can get all their Part D prescription drugs for $0 plus $150 per month for OTC and groceries, with an expansive retail network to shop from in addition to a unique grocery delivery program.. The plan features a care model customized to meet individual needs and is unique in Rhode Island for providing access to a Medicaid specialist to assist with renewal. Other benefits include wellness reimbursement, rides to doctors, and meal deliveries.

No matter which plan members are in, they’ll enjoy hours of support with household chores and companionship through a program that deploys trained helpers to assist with everything from changing light bulbs, to connecting Wi-Fi, to running errands, raking, and more.

BCBSRI Medicare Advantage members satisfied with their plans do not have to take any action to be automatically re-enrolled in the same plan for 2023.

Rhode Islanders can learn more about BCBSRI’s Medicare Advantage plans for 2023 through the following:

• Go to bcbsri.com/medicare
• Attend a virtual or in-person informational meeting by scheduling an appointment or registering at bcbsri.com/events/medicare
• Visit one of our four Your Blue Store℠ locations:
  • Cowesett Corners, 300 Quaker Lane, Warwick
  • Highland Commons, 71 Highland Avenue, East Providence
  • Lincoln Commons, 622 George Washington Highway, Lincoln
  • Marshalls Plaza, 1400 Oaklawn Avenue, Cranston
• BCBSRI members may call the Medicare Concierge team at (401) 277-2958 or 1-800-267-0439 (TTY: 711). 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. 
• Non-members may call the Medicare Sales team at 1-800-505-2583 (TTY: 711.) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week.

Debe continuar pagando su prima de la Parte B. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island es un plan HMO y PPO con un contrato de Medicare. Inscripción con Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island depende de la renovación del contrato.

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