Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield agreed to delay the prior authorization requirement in the new Medicare Advantage fitness insurance plan for state retirees by up to 4 months.
The announcement, made among a crowd of state retirees and retirees, drew laughter and ridicule from the crowd piling up at Goldey Beacom College in Pike Creek Valley.
“How about delaying it for years?” shouted a boy in the audience.
Hundreds of existing and retired state workers gathered for the City Hall event hosted by Reps. Mike Smith, R-Pike Creek, and Mike Ramone, R-Hockessin.
The event designed to help affected Americans and families perceive the upcoming changes to their health insurance starting January 1, 2023.
Medicare-eligible retirees and dependents in the state of Delaware who are enrolled in the Highmark BCBS Delaware Special Medicfill prescription plan will be automatically upgraded to the Highmark BCBS Delaware Freedom Blue PPO Medicare Advantage plan with a SilverScript prescription beginning January 1, 2023.
Shortly after the update became widely known, some lawmakers began warning seniors that they could lose their doctor or be denied ultimate coverage.
State officials insist the plan will be less expensive for retirees and provide the same for care, and will even include some benefits, such as SilverSneakers, a fitness program for seniors.
Participants were largely skeptical that the plan would provide the same point of care at a lower cost. The crowd was exasperated by Human Resources Secretary Claire DeMatteis.
“It’s not public, but I’ll say it publicly: Highmark is in a position and will lose money on this front,” DeMatteis said, drawing laughter in the crowd. they are there for us. “
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield officials were provided at the event to address the concerns.
For more detailed reports on the new Medicare Advantage plan, click here.
This is a story. Check for updates again.
Charlie Megginson covers and politics for Town Square LIVE News. Contact him at (302) 344-8293 or [email protected] Follow him on Twitter @cmegginson4.
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