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Medicare’s annual enrollment period begins Oct. 15

HELENA, Montana — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana is offering Medicare Advantage plans across most of Montana, covering 39 of 56 counties for the coming Medicare annual enrollment period.

The enrollment period begins Oct. 15 and continues through Dec. 7. This is the time each year when most Medicare beneficiaries can select or switch plans. Selected plans are effective Jan. 1.

MA plans are popular because they offer benefits beyond original Medicare. For example, most BCBSMT plans include routine vision, hearing and some dental coverage. Other benefits available in some plans include an allowance for over-the-counter health-related products.

Some BCBSMT MA plans are available for $0 premium. Others give customers money back in their Social Security check. Benefits and premiums vary by plan and geography.

BCBSMT MA plans include a network of participating providers statewide, including about 2,000 primary care providers, 7,000 specialists and 200 hospitals and other health care facilities. 

Additionally, BCBSMT offers Medicare supplement insurance plans, Medicare supplement plus plans and Blue Cross MedicareRx^℠ prescription drug plans statewide. Medicare supplement insurance plans pair with original Medicare, filling coverage gaps. They are generally sold with a prescription drug plans to cover prescriptions. Medicare supplement plus plans may include dental and vision coverage as well as access to the SilverSneakers^® Fitness program.

“We offer Medicare customers a wide variety of choices to fit their every budget, lifestyle, and health need, all delivered by a brand that they’ve come to know and trust for more than 85 years,” said BCBSMT President Lisa Kelley.

Visit www.bcbsmt.com/medicare/shop-plans for information. Call 1-866-940-3022 (TTY 711) between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week, for enrollment questions. Additionally, get Medicare questions answered at our educational sessions. Browse opportunities at BCBSMT events.

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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana is a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. BCBSMT is the largest and longest-standing statewide, customer-owned health insurer and full-service health benefits administrator in Montana. BCBSMT has provided high-quality health insurance plans and administrative services to Montanans for more than 80 years and is committed to ensuring its members — no matter where they are on the health spectrum — achieve maximum health. Headquartered in Helena with five regional offices, BCBSMT’s purpose is to stand with its members in sickness and in health.

HMO and PPO plans provided by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company (HCSC), an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. HMO plans available for employer/union groups only. HCSC is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in HCSC's plans depends on contract renewal.

"Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or Federal Medicare Program."

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans are offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

As long as you are age 65 or older, have Medicare Part A and are within the six months following your enrollment for Medicare Part B, your acceptance is guaranteed. If you are under age 65, have Medicare Part A and are enrolled in Medicare Part B, your acceptance is guaranteed within six months of your Part B effective date or another qualifying event. If you are on Medicare under age 65, you will also have a six-month open enrollment period when you reach age 65. If you are turning age 65, were previously enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, and apply within six months of turning age 65, your acceptance is guaranteed.

Individuals under the age 65 may qualify for Medicare if they become disabled.

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Amanda Douglas
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