Resources for Legacy Medigap Members
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.
Hi Walter, Thanks for reaching out. We’d be happy to help and are going to send you another booket to the address you provided. Additionally, if you would like to learn more or talk to a health plan advisor, please take a look at our website here, http://www.bcbsm.com/content/microsites/medicare/en/index.html or give us a call at 855-339-9231. Best, Naomi
Regarding Michigan Health Endowment Fund:
Does the 150% of the poverty level calculation also utilize modified adjusted gross income similar the ACA ?
Sent from my iPhone
Thank you for your question, Randy.
Your rate will be determined based on a number of factors, including your age and where you reside in Michigan. Unlike many of our competitors, Blue Cross will continue to guarantee access to Medigap coverage, regardless of health status. For specifics on available plans or questions about your coverage, please dial the number on the letter you received or reach out to us here, http://miblues.co/29OAEjf.
Thank You,
Naomi
Hi Randy, Since the Health Endowment Fund set the subsidy and eligibility requirements, we recommend you reach out directly to them at 1-866-824-9772 or michiganmedigapsubsidy.com to get this question answered. Thank you, Naomi
Hi Kathy, We will flag this to our customer service team and reach out to you directly. The second letter should be arriving by July 15th, but we will get in touch to determine whether you all will be impacted by the change and the status of your first letter, if you are receiving one. Thank you, Naomi
My husband is 72 is in good health he also has been enrolled in by legacy
Plan then he uses VA choice for his scripts etc. should he go to VA choice for all his medical needs now? Also I am 63 and on mcr a &B and the legacy plan. I have a disability and can no longer work. We are on limited income which doesn’t provide much but too much for haelp,I believe. Any suggestions or can we file separate which then I would be able to get low income help?
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
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.
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
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.
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