Highmark has released details of its new 2022 Delaware Medicare Advantage plans. The plans were first announced last summer and have since been approved by Medicare.
The state’s largest insurer is now offering plans that use the networks of the state’s two largest health care systems. That increases the appeal of Medicare Advantage plans.
Detailed descriptions of all Highmark Medicare Advantage plans, including network and pricing, are available at Shop.Highmark.com/Medicare. In addition, details of all plans available in Delaware are available at Medicare.gov.Sign-up for 2022 plans begins on Oct. 15.
“This unique collaboration between an insurer and two health systems offers an enhanced patient experience, better care coordination, rich benefits, and low costs,” said Christine Donohue-Henry, MD, ChrstianaCare’s chief population health officer. “ChristianaCare, Bayhealth, and Highmark are working together to impact the health of Delaware seniors truly.”
“Serving individuals and the community is fundamental to our mission at Bayhealth,” said Dr. Gary Siegelman, senior vice president and chief medical officer of Bayhealth. “By coming together with ChristianaCare and Highmark, we are ensuring that Delaware seniors have access to affordable, high-quality care plus additional resources to help manage chronic conditions.”
Member health
For Medicare-eligible Delaware consumers, Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage that goes beyond original Medicare, like limits on out-of-pocket spending, lower-cost copays, and additional coverage for things like dental and vision coverage plus clinical care teams fitness programs, and help with managing chronic conditions.
“We are proud to bring new Medicare Advantage products to Delaware as part of Highmark’s long-term commitment to Delawareans,” said Nick Moriello, president, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware. “Our game-changing collaboration with ChristianaCare and Bayhealth will help increase access to care and provide solutions that will improve health and quality of life for Medicare-eligible Delawareans.”
Highmark’s Medicare Advantage plans include $0 diabetic testing supplies, which will help members with diabetes to manage their condition more affordably. Delaware has a high rate of diabetes.
In addition, Highmark is offering the Onduo enhanced diabetes management program on all plans. This program is designed to help members manage their Type 2 diabetes with personalized tools and expert guidance in coordination with their physician.
Highmark is also offering the PAPA Pals program to combat social isolation. The PAPA Pals program provides a qualified helper for home visits, short distance travel for errands and appointments, and companionship for social activities such as health club visits, walking or gardening. PAPA Pals is available with Freedom Blue PPO Distinct in Delaware.
2022 Medicare Advantage products
The new Freedom Blue PPO Signature plan offers a $0 premium, $0 copays for PCP visits, predictable costs for inpatient hospital stays, and supplemental benefits like an allowance for comprehensive dental covering crowns, root canals, and other procedures. These benefits are available across a broad network of doctors in Delaware, plus in-network access to Blue Cross networks across the country.
The new Freedom Blue PPO Distinct plan offers all of the same access to local hospitals and physicians as the Freedom Blue PPO Signature plan, plus $0 copays for specialists, physical therapy, speech therapy, and urgent care visits. The Senior Savings Model on this plan includes a 31-day supply of insulin for a $35 copay. Supplemental benefits include allowance for comprehensive dental that covers crowns, root canals, and more, plus the PAPA Pals program.
Additional 2022 Highmark product offerings for Medicare-eligible individuals include:
Highmark offers Medigap Blue supplemental products. Medigap Blue lowers members’ out-of-pocket costs and provides the f flexibility to see any doctor or hospital in the country that accepts Medicare. Additionally, members of Highmark Medigap Blue plans have access to discounts and the Whole Health Balance program, which provides extra coverage for hearing aids, vision, dental, and fitness.
