11 de maio, 2023

5-Star SEP can help with upcoming Plan 65 rate changes

If your clients are ageing in to a new payment bracket, or are struggling to keep up with the increasing cost of their Medicare Supplement policy, this could be the perfect time to help guide them into a Medicare Advantage plan using the 5-Star* Special Enrollment Period (SEP).

And don’t forget—our Value of Blue Guarantee allows members to go back to Medicare Supplement if they are unhappy with their new Medicare Advantage plan (restrictions apply).

Plan 65 rate changes take effect on 1 de julho

All Plan 65 plans are receiving a 5.9% annual increase on premiums (Plan A is a 7.9% increase). Some members may also experience an increase by aging in to the next payment bracket.

We understand that your clients will likely have questions about their new rates. It may be helpful to share that many factors can cause rates to go up from one year to the next, including changes Medicare makes to the deductibles and copays that supplement plans cover. The current rates that providers charge for their services can also affect premiums. 

Changes to the Plan 65 application

The Plan 65 application will be redesigned to include a new Notice of Replacement Coverage form that will need to be completed and submitted under certain circumstances (detailed in the application). Other adjustments to the application will help satisfy OHIC requirements by including more detailed eligibility questions.

If you have any questions about this new application, please contact Broker Support at medicarebrokersupport@bcbsri.org or by calling (401) 459-5545 (option 1, then 2).

Reminder!

A certificate of coverage (COC) is required with the application under any circumstance other than:

  • Being an existing BCBSRI enrollee
  • Being new to Medicare Part B

Updated Plan 65 materials will be available on 1 de junho

These kits include the updated rates, which go into effect 1 de julho. Visit the Broker Resource Center to download your new documents, or stop by the warehouse to pick up hard copies.


*Rated 5-Stars for 2022 and 2023. Todos os anos, a Medicare avalia os planos com base num sistema de classificação de 5 estrelas.