Important Information about C Plus Medicare Select Plan B

5/26/2010

BlueCross BlueShield of Alabama (BCBSAL) recently mailed a letter to all participants in C Plus Medicare Select Plan B supplemental coverage concerning a new hospice benefit that is being added to the plan.

For a limited time, you have the opportunity to replace your existing contract with the new C Plus Medicare Select Plan B contract. The new C Plus Medicare Select Plan B contract will provide the same benefits that you currently have, plus a hospice benefit, at no additional cost. This means your premium will not change when the new plan becomes effective. (Any future rate changes will apply to all C Plus participants, whether you choose the new C Plus Medicare Select Plan B contract or you choose to opt out.)

If you want the new C Plus Medicare Select Plan B, there is nothing you need to do. You will automatically be switched to the new C Plus Medicare Select Plan B effective June 1, 2010. You will receive a new contract booklet in June and will have 30 days after receiving the contract booklet to decide if you’d like to keep the new contract.

Please be aware that if you choose to opt out of the new plan by returning the opt-out form that was included with your letter from BCBSAL by May 31, 2010, you may be required to pay a higher premium later if you subsequently change your mind and decide you would like to enroll in the new C Plus Medicare Select Plan B. Your rate would be based on your age at the time you enroll in the new plan.

If you have any questions, please contact BCBSAL Customer Service at 1-888-417-4775 between 7:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. You may also contact Wanda Tray of the North Alabama Conference of the UMC at (205) 226-7987.

Comments

1. Randy Burbank wrote on 5/29/2010 6:06:02 PM
While not about this news, I am gravely concerned about the other part of the report to be presented at Annual Conference. If this passes, the conference will no longer pay 1/2 of the C+ Premiums and in lieu a $70 monthly grant for those with 15 or more years FULL time service. A covenant has been in place for our retirees and now we are breaking that covenant. It makes us look for more like the corporate world rather than the body of Christ. I hope this part of the report is amended.
2. Danette Clifton wrote on 5/31/2010 9:43:20 AM
Randy, Scott Selman has provided an excellent reflection on the report you mentioned above. I encourage you and everyone to read this reflection to better understand that report before Annual Conference. It is available at www.northalabamaumc.org/pages/detail/1535