Empire BlueCross BlueShield introduces Medicare Advantage plans in New York City

Empire BlueCross BlueShield is introducing a number of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans in New York City that include access to the acclaimed CareMore health delivery system, which helps members maintain their health.

“The CareMore care model provides a focused and innovative healthcare approach to the complex problems of aging”

The plans, which are available in Kings County, include the following MA Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Special Needs Plans (SNPs) that are designed especially to help those with certain unique health needs:

• Empire MediBlue Diabetes (HMO SNP) is a SNP that includes access to DiabeatIT^TM, a remarkable program for living well with diabetes. The DiabeatIT^TM Diabetes Care Program was created to help people with diabetes make successful lifestyle improvements through self-management techniques, regular physical activity, education, counseling and management and improvement in glycemic control.
• Empire MediBlue COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) (HMO SNP) is a SNP that includes access to the Pulmonary Care program, which provides support for Medicare beneficiaries living with asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The program includes specialized breathing tests, self-management training, pulmonary rehabilitation focused on strength and endurance, and a smoking cessation program.

In addition to the SNP products, Empire is offering an HMO plan called Empire MediBlue Local (HMO) for those without chronic conditions who want access to the CareMore delivery system. All plans include a network of physicians and hospitals.

All plans include drug coverage and there is no additional premium outside of the premium for Medicare Parts A and B.

The CareMore health delivery system focuses on people with Medicare who are at risk of or are developing chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart and lung disease. CareMore identifies these conditions early in order to address them before they worsen. The results have been impressive. For example, CareMore's diabetic wound management program has dramatically reduced amputations, while its congestive heart failure program has reduced hospital admissions by up to 56 percent.¹

The centerpiece of the model is a Neighborhood Care Center. Three Care Centers are opening this year in Brooklyn at the following addresses: 1230 Neptune Ave., 2265 Ralph Ave., and 2412 Church Ave.

These Care Centers deliver health assessments, including mental health screenings, as well as routine foot care and a fitness center at no extra cost to members. The centers include ample parking, comfortable seating, lightweight doors, etc. They provide a place for members to gather to learn about their health or just socialize.

"The CareMore care model provides a focused and innovative healthcare approach to the complex problems of aging," said Mark Wagar, president and CEO of Empire. "We are really pleased to be able to make it available for the first time here through these Empire plans."

Interested parties can enroll in the plans during Medicare's Annual Election Period, which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, or during one of Medicare's special election periods, when eligible. For more information on how to enroll, call (855) 219-3425 or visit www.getcaremore.com.