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For 2018, Independence will introduce a new Medicare Advantage benefit
product as well as changes to our existing products.
New Medicare Advantage product
In addition to Keystone 65 Focus HMO, Keystone 65 Preferred HMO, Keystone 65
Select HMO, and Personal Choice 65SM PPO, Independence is offering a
new Medicare Advantage HMO benefit product for 2018.
The new plan ? Keystone 65 Basic HMO ? offers the following:
- $0 monthly premium
- prescription drug coverage
- optional hearing, vision, and dental coverage
- coverage for routine medical exams, screenings, and preventive care
- worldwide coverage for emergency and urgent care
Referrals are no longer needed to see a
specialist
We asked our members for suggestions on how to make their experience as an
Independence Medicare Advantage member better, and the resounding response was
the elimination of referrals. As a result, effective for dates of
services on or after January 1, 2018, we will no longer require any
Medicare Advantage HMO members to obtain a referral from their primary care
physician (PCP) when they need to see a specialist. This includes Keystone 65
Focus HMO, Keystone 65 Preferred HMO, Keystone 65 Select HMO, and Keystone 65
Basic HMO members.
PCPs will still need to direct Medicare Advantage HMO members to their
capitated site for certain services (i.e., laboratory, radiology, occupational
therapy, and physical therapy). In addition, providers are still required to
obtain precertification/preapproval for certain services prior to rendering
services for all Medicare Advantage members.
Additions to the Preferred Pharmacy
Network
Medicare Advantage members can still take advantage of lower copayments for
many prescriptions when filled at a preferred pharmacy. In addition to
including independent pharmacies and major retail chain pharmacies, the
Preferred Pharmacy Network is expanding to include Wegmans and Sellersville
Pharmacy retail locations.
Other news
BlueExtraSM, our freestanding supplemental plan, is being
discontinued effective December 31, 2017; however,
Independence offers other options for adult dental and/or vision coverage.
These plans provide flexibility and covered services to maintain good oral and
vision health.
For more information on Independence Medicare Advantage plans, members can
call
1-800-645-3965 for Keystone 65 HMO or 1-888-718-3333 for Personal
Choice 65 PPO.
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