Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Nebraska Expands Medicare

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) has expanded Medicare Advantage coverage to 11 additional counties in Nebraska.

“This expansion allows us to reach even more Nebraskans with a full portfolio of health insurance options for individuals who are Medicare eligible,” said Tom Gilsdorf, Director of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska.

The new counties are Buffalo, Hall, Adams, Hamilton, Merrick, Madison, Platte, Polk, York, Johnson and Nemaha. Now, Medicare eligible residents in 26 Nebraska counties can select affordable plans with prescription drug coverage plus a new over-the-counter benefit in 2020.

Plans include dental, hearing, vision and other benefits like a Silversneakers gym membership that go beyond original Medicare. Travel benefits are available too. Also new for 2020, a PPO plan that will have in and out-of-network copays.

“We’ve improved the benefits to reflect the active lifestyles that today’s Medicare eligible Nebraskans expect,” Gilsdorf said. “It was important to us to have options that fit different budgets too, which is why we are introducing PPO and HMO offerings, along with our Medicare Supplement plans that are available statewide.”

Fall Medicare Open enrollment begins October 15 and continues to December 7. BCBSNE will hold educational seminars across the 26 county Medicare Advantage service area during that time.

To learn more, head to medicare.nebraskablue.com.