Medicare Advantage to Medigap Blue Conversion Safeguard
New for Security Blue HMO-POS and Freedom Blue PPO members!
Overview:
We anticipate that the freedom and flexibility offered by a Medicare Supplement product without traditional network restrictions, like Medigap Blue, may appeal to some Highmark Medicare Advantage members affected by this significant network disruption. We understand that some individuals may not otherwise have a guaranteed issue right to purchase Medigap Blue coverage . Please be assured that Highmark will work with our Medicare Advantage members who are impacted by this significant network disruption to eliminate barriers and ensure access to the product of their choice, including Medigap Blue.
Impact on Eligible Members: - Current members of Security Blue HMO-POS and Freedom Blue PPO in the Western PA Southwest and West Central PA service areas are eligible for this “conversion safeguard.”
- Eligible members may choose from any Medigap Blue plan currently sold in their county of residence.
- Eligible applicants must follow the application flow and complete all of the required medical underwriting questions as directed.
- The “conversion safeguard” process will be in place for applications received from October 15, 2018 through December 7, 2018, and January 1, 2019 through March 31, 2019.
- Eligible applicants must remember to submit a request to disenroll from their current Medicare Advantage plan.
What you Need to Know: - Applications will continue to be collected and processed through normal means.
- Applicants should complete the Medigap Blue application in its entirety, and answer all applicable questions (including medical underwriting questions for non-GI applications).
- Highmark will research each application to confirm eligibility.
- If application is determined to be eligible, the application will be processed at the preferred premium rate.
- If not eligible, the normal underwriting process will commence.
- It is very important that the member also submit a written request to disenroll from their current Medicare Advantage coverage; no Medigap Blue applications will be finalized until such request is received.
Please direct any questions to Highmark Senior Markets. |
