Dive Brief:
- This summer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield is launching a health insurance exchange to help retirees transition from group health benefits to individual Medicare coverage. The new benefits will go into effect on January 1, 2016.
- The BCBS marketplace will offer Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap), Medicare Advantage Plans and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage in more than 45 states and Washington, DC.
- The exchange will also offer additional BCBS products such as vision, dental and life insurance in markets where they are available. It is the non-profit's first national exchange and will be built by technology firm Connecture.
Dive Insight:
Those who use the exchange will receive online and call center support. "BCBS Marketplace will provide an intuitive and personalized shopping experience to help retirees purchase the Medicare coverage that best meets their needs," Maureen Sullivan, senior vice president and chief strategy officer for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association said in a statement. "This exchange will ensure that more retirees continue to benefit from the security and stability of Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance."