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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Introduces BlueMedicare(SM) Group Supplement

Groups Save on Coverage for Retirees

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 7 /PRNewswire/ -- To help employers save money when providing health care coverage to retirees, Blue Cross and Blue Shield ofFlorida (BCBSF) is introducing BlueMedicare(SM) Group Supplement insurance plans. BlueMedicare Group Supplement is available to Medicare-eligible retirees, and their Medicare-eligible spouses who are 65 and older.

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"This new option will help groups manage the rising health care costs for retiree coverage," said Barbara Benevento, group vice-president, Senior Markets, BCBSF. "In this economy, it is important for us to provide lower cost solutions for employer groups so they can continue to offer coverage to their employees and retirees."

Plans start as low as $125 per month and typically cover the deductibles, copayments, and 20 percent coinsurance Medicare does not cover for Medicare-approved expenses. To qualify, applicants must be 65 or older, enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, maintain their primary residence inFlorida, and be eligible for their employer's plan.

As there is no network, a BlueMedicare Group Supplement member has the freedom to choose any doctor or hospital they want. Even when traveling throughoutthe United States their BlueMedicare Group Supplement coverage will follow. As long as Medicare approves the services, the plan will pay the remaining balance.

This new Medicare Supplement solution is an addition to the suite of BCBSF group retiree options, including BlueMedicare(SM) Group Rx prescription drug benefit and BlueMedicare(SM) Group PPO, HMO and PFFS plans. All BCBSF senior solutions offer increased savings and allow employers to meet the challenge of providing coverage to their Medicare-eligible retirees and dependents.

Celebrating 65 years as Florida's leader in the health industry, Blue Cross and Blue Shield ofFlorida is mission-driven to improve affordable access to health care. BCBSF is a not-for-profit, policyholder-owned, tax-paying mutual company. Headquartered inJacksonville, Fla., BCBSF is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information concerning BCBSF, please see its Web site at www.bcbsfl.com or to listen to Floridians speak out on health care issues visit www.thepowerofthehumanvoice.com.

SOURCE Blue Cross and Blue Shield ofFlorida