Resources for Legacy Medigap Members

Andrew Hetzel

| 2 min read

As Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan communicates with our nearly 200,000 Legacy Medigap members about rate changes that are coming January 1, 2017, there are many places for members and their families to turn for information and assistance. Blue Cross – We are committed to helping Legacy Medigap members understand the changes that are happening, and the options they have in front of them.
  • We have sent our members two comprehensive letters outlining the reasons for this change. The first contained a guidebook called “Making the Most of Medicare.” The second letter included a special phone number for members to call for guidance and support.
  • We have posted a number of blog articles to help supplement the information from our letters. People should check them out at mibluesperspectives.com
  • Blue Cross offers helpful information online at bcbsm.com. Search for “Medicare.”
Michigan Health Endowment Fund – The nonprofit that is supported by a commitment of $1.56 billion from Blue Cross is now responsible for providing subsidies to lower-income Michigan residents who select Medigap plans as their coverage choice.
  • Medicare-eligible people whose annual household incomes (adjusted gross income) are below $26,730 for an individual or $36,045 for a couple can qualify for a Medigap subsidy. Apply online at michiganmedigapsubsidy.com or call 1-866-824-9772, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Insurance Agents – Independent insurance agents in Michigan are a knowledgeable resource for people examining their options for health coverage. They are located in Michigan communities and know the Medicare marketplace. Eldercare Locator – This organization links those who need assistance with state and local Area Agencies on Aging and community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers. For more information, visit www.eldercare.gov or call 1-800-677-1116 (TTY users call 711), Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP), Inc. – This is a free counseling service that aims to educate, counsel and empower Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers so they can make informed health benefit decisions. Visit MMAP online at www.mmapinc.org. To speak with an MMAP counselor, call: 1-800-803-7174 (TTY users call 711), Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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11 Comments

B
Blues Perspectives

Oct 10, 2016 at 11:02pm

Hi Nancy, Thank you for reaching out. If you follow this link, http://miblues.co/2dzN9Sn, you will be taken directly to the Medigap Subsidy Form on the Health Endowment Fund website where you will be able to submit your application. If you have any additional questions, please provide your information here: http://miblues.co/29OAEjf, and our Member Services team will contact you directly. Thank you, Naomi

N
Nancy Doty

Oct 10, 2016 at 2:35pm

I have been looking for the subsidy application online at MichiganMedigapSubsidy.com and cannot find it. Can you tell me where to locate it? Thanks.

B
Blues Perspectives

Oct 6, 2016 at 12:20am

Hello, We understand your concern and want to help. If you dial the number in your letter, you can speak to a Health Plan Specialist who can answer all of your questions. Thank you, Naomi

s
starbrite2701

Oct 5, 2016 at 3:48pm

I have Medigap Legacy. I moved from Michigan to Arizona years ago. At that time I was told it was possible to keep my Michigan Medigap Insurance thru BCBS by paying more for the service. I did. Yesterday 10/4/2016, without any previous contact, I received a letter stating my insurance I currently have, Medigap Legacy, will increase to $315 starting Jan. 2017. I have had no previous contact until yesterday. I never received any information and do not qualify for any subsidy being that I reside in Arizona. BTW, Arizona does not insure anyone whose age is below 65 years of age. What other plan can BCBS of Michigan offer me that is lower in cost to maintain? ANY information would be helpful at this point.

B
Blues Perspectives

Aug 17, 2016 at 1:59pm

Hi Sharron, One of our health plan specialists would be happy to answer your questions and help you find the right coverage for you and your husband. Please call the number provided on the Medigap letter you received from us to speak to one of them today. Thank you, Naomi

MI Blues Perspectives is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, a nonprofit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association