Excellus BlueCross BlueShield will offer a Medicare Advantage plan in 2023 targeting the needs of local veterans.

“We all know how important it is to honor the service of local veterans,” said Karen Bodley, vice president, Medicare at Excellus BCBS. “It’s also important to have health coverage that meets their needs and pairs well with existing U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs coverage – at no extra cost to them.”

In addition to $0 premiums, Medicare BlueSalute (PPO) includes: $0 copays for behavioral health visits; 12 one-way rides (of 50 miles or less) annually to health-related locations at no cost; $35 Part B monthly premium refund; and access to a network of doctors and hospitals.

What our veterans told us

Before deciding on plan benefits, Medicare employees at the Health Plan asked co-workers who served in the military for their perspectives on gaps in care faced by them and/or their fellow veterans.

The employees’ feedback was clear, the company said: Veterans could benefit from more access to care, more help with transportation, and more coverage for behavioral health. 

“The veteran community is different,” said Chad Tooke, Utica, a veteran and a provider network and strategy manager at Excellus BCBS. “Certain needs are much bigger for veterans, like transportation, for example. A lot of veterans are physically isolated and can’t get to health care facilities very easily. And behavioral health – that is a big topic and something we pushed for.”

Although Medicare BlueSalute (PPO) was designed with veterans in mind, anyone Medicare eligible can enroll in the plan.

Other enhancements

In addition to new benefits for Medicare BlueSalute (PPO), Excellus BCBS also added enhancements to its other 2023 Medicare Advantage plans, the company said, including:  Lower cost sharing and reduced premiums; $0 copays for preventive dental services, including exams, cleanings and X-rays; comprehensive dental benefits with a $1,000 annual allowance; and an annual eyewear allowance of $120 or more depending on the plan.

For more information on the Medicare Advantage plan, go online to www.ExcellusMedicare.com.