Your. Enrollment Kit. Information to help you make the best choices for health insurance at 65 and beyond with BlueCare Security a Medigap Plan

Transcription

1 Your Enrollment Kit Information to help you make the best choices for health insurance at 65 and beyond with BlueCare Security a Medigap Plan

2 Timing is everything with Medicare Turning 65? Making plans for retirement? Need a change in health insurance coverage? Whatever your future holds, be sure to protect it with the right health insurance, and count on Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania to help you every step of the way. Count on BCNEPA to help you every step of the way Each day, 10,000 people turn 65 and join the nearly 49 million people already enrolled in Medicare. Medicare is made up of Parts A, B, C and D, and each part helps cover specific health care services and costs. Turning 65 is a time to think about the future and your health. Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania will be here for you. We offer 6 BlueCare Security Medigap plans to help cover the costs not paid by Medicare, like coinsurance, copays and deductibles. Read on to learn more about how Medicare and BlueCare Security work together to get you the coverage you deserve. Did you know? You might be wondering how Health Care Reform affects you and your Medicare coverage. We ve summarized the key provisions of Health Care Reform on BlueCrossNEPAStore.com/learn. The site includes information, videos and frequently asked Q&As to help you better understand its impact.

3 Know what you ll pay when you have Medicare Back pocket What you ll find inside 2 Step 1: Enrolling in Medicare What is Medicare? Medicare eligibility 4 When Original Medicare is not enough, choose Blue 5 Step 2: Select a plan that fits your needs BlueCare Security a Medigap plan 6 See the savings 8 Signing up for BlueCare Security 10 FreedomBlue PPO a Medicare Advantage plan Signing up for FreedomBlue PPO 11 Step 3: Consider your prescription drug needs Medicare Part D 12 Now is the time Need some help? Enroll today Understanding your share of the costs It s important to understand how Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare) work. Medicare covers most of the cost for your care. But you also have to pay a share of the costs when you have care. There are 2 types of costs you will pay 1. Premiums This is what you pay each month to buy and keep your Medicare coverage and any extra coverage. 2. Out-of-pocket costs These are the costs you must pay out of your own pocket (such as copays, deductibles and coinsurance) when you receive care. How much you have to pay and when each applies differ by the plan you choose. A few examples of out-of-pocket costs Copay How much you must pay for covered medical care (such as office visits and prescription drugs). For example, if you are in the hospital for more than 60 days, your Medicare Part A copay is $304 a day. This means you will pay $304 for each day you are in the hospital up to 90 days, and Medicare will pay the rest. Deductible How much you must pay when you get care (such as lab services, X-rays and physical therapy), before Medicare will start to pay for covered medical care. Once you paid up to your deductible amount in care costs, you won t pay any more toward your deductible that year. Coinsurance This is your share (%) of the cost for covered medical care (such as hospital stays) that you have to pay. Did you know? For more information on Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket costs, visit medicare.gov, or call the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) at MEDICARE ( ) or (TTY) , any day, anytime. Source: Medicare.gov

4 Getting covered with Medicare The best time to sign up is before you turn 65 Step 1: Enrolling in Medicare If you are turning 65, now is the time to think about Medicare. You have many options to consider. Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania wants you to have the information you need to make the choice that best fits your needs and budget. Just follow our steps and getting the Medicare coverage you need is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Another term for Medicare Parts A and B is Original Medicare Did you know? Medicare Part A is free and available if you paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. Medicare Part B has a monthly premium that everyone must pay. What is Medicare? Medicare is health insurance for people 65 and older and the disabled. It is government-funded health insurance available through the Social Security Administration (SSA) and CMS. Medicare is made up of 4 parts, Parts A, B, C and D. Each part is unique and helps cover specific health care services. Take a look below to see what each part covers. Part A Hospital insurance that helps you pay for your inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care and some home health care. Part B Medical insurance that helps you pay for doctor visits, outpatient care and some preventive services such as flu shots and your annual wellness visit. Part C Also known as Medicare Advantage, Part C is another way you can get Medicare coverage. You ll get the same coverage benefits offered by Medicare Parts A and B, plus some additional benefits. Part C is offered through Medicareapproved private insurance companies for a monthly premium. Many Medicare Advantage plans also give you prescription drug coverage, or Part D. Part D Prescription drug coverage offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies at a monthly premium. Part D helps you pay for commonly used prescription drugs, but it does not include over-the-counter meds. Although Original Medicare will cover most of your medical care and services, it does not cover everything. You will have to pay out-of-pocket costs deductibles, copays and coinsurance on your own. Therefore, when reviewing your choices for Medicare coverage, remember that you can get help with those costs by adding a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan. 2 BlueCrossNEPAStore.com/Medicare

5 Medicare eligibility If you want to change your Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan, you can skip this section and move to Step 2 on page 5. If you are turning 65, your Initial Enrollment period for Original Medicare is the best time to sign up. The Initial Enrollment period is 7 months, and begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65 and ends 3 months after the month you turn 65. Signing up during this time ensures that your coverage can begin as soon as possible and you avoid having to pay a late enrollment penalty which is a higher monthly premium. The following chart explains when your coverage will begin based on when you sign up. Medicare coverage start dates If you sign up: Coverage begins: 1 3 months before the month you turn 65 On the 1st day of the month you turn 65 The month you turn 65 On the 1st day of the next month* 1 month after you turn 65 On the 1st day, 2 months after enrollment 2 months after you turn 65 On the 1st day, 3 months after enrollment 3 months after you turn 65 On the 1st day, 3 months after enrollment * If your birthday is on the first day of the month, your coverage starts the first day of the prior month. You can sign up for Original Medicare by visiting medicare.gov or call SSA at or (TTY) , any day, anytime. If you re still working and turning 65, make sure you sign up for Part A to avoid a premium increase for late enrollment. Part B is optional if you are still working and have insurance coverage through your employer. If you are over 65 and ready to retire, you may be eligible for an 8-month Special Enrollment period that begins the month after your employer-coverage ends, or when your employment ends whichever happens first. During Special Enrollment, you can sign up for Part B, and you can also sign up for Part A if you didn t enroll when you turned 65. If you enroll during Special Enrollment, your coverage will begin the 1st of the month after SSA processes your application. If you don t enroll during Special Enrollment, you will have to wait until January 1 March 31, the General Enrollment period. If you enroll during this period, you may have to pay the late enrollment penalty and your coverage won t begin until July 1. To find out if you are eligible for Special Enrollment or to learn more about General Enrollment, visit medicare.gov or call SSA at or (TTY) , any day, anytime. Did you know? It s important to sign up for Original Medicare as soon as you become eligible. You won t have any delays in coverage and you ll avoid any penalties. Plus, when you have Original Medicare, you have the minimum essential coverage that is required by the Affordable Care Act

6 When Original Medicare is not enough, choose Blue 84% of our members would recommend BCNEPA to others* Medicare is anything but one-size-fits-all. Once you sign up for Original Medicare, you should think about your health and your plans for your future. It s important to remember that Medicare will provide coverage for most of the medical care you ll need, but not all of it. That s where Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania can help. We offer 6 BlueCare Security Medigap plans with attractive, competitive rates, in addition to FreedomBlue PPO, a Medicare Advantage plan offered by Highmark Blue Shield. With a BlueCare Security plan, you ll have access to value-added programs and services that can make a difference. For example we: Offer a prescription drug discount program Give you extras, like local discounts on a variety of health services and products offered by businesses in our 13-county service area and national discounts. Plus, access to Blue365, our national discount program Have an experienced, local Customer Service team to answer your questions Make your health care experience easier by providing 24/7 online access to your coverage, claims details and out-of-pocket costs with our Self-Service website Best of all, you ll have security and peace of mind knowing that your plan is backed by Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, the most trusted name for quality care and outstanding customer service and unbeatable value since * 2013 BCBS Member Satisfaction Survey of members enrolled in individual and traditional health insurance plans. Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans are available once you sign up for Medicare Parts A and B. Each has a specific enrollment period, so be sure to read on to learn more. 4 BlueCrossNEPAStore.com/Medicare

7 Step 2: Select a plan that fits your needs BlueCare Security a Medigap plan BlueCare Security gives you the extra coverage you need and covers the out-of-pocket costs not paid by Medicare (deductibles, copays and coinsurance). You can enroll in BlueCare Security once you sign up for Original Medicare. Plus, you ll have the flexibility to see any Medicare-approved local and national providers. Here s how BlueCare Security plans work, for example: BlueCare Security Plan A pays your share of the Medicare Part B coinsurance BlueCare Security Plan B offers a higher level of benefits by paying your Medicare Part B coinsurance and Part A deductible BlueCare Security Plan C offers the most coverage with almost no out-of-pocket costs for care. It does not cover your share of the Medicare Part B excess charge fees BlueCare Security Plan F offers the most coverage with almost no out-of-pocket costs. Coverage includes your share of the Medicare Part B excess charge fees BlueCare Security Plan F-HD is a high deductible plan. It includes all the benefits and features of Plan F. And once your deductible is met, you will have almost no out-of-pocket costs BlueCare Security Plan N offers a high level of benefits by covering hospitalization and your Medicare Part B coinsurance. You have low copays for doctor visits and ER care. Plan N does not cover your share of the Medicare Part B deductible BlueCare Security plan coverage What it covers Plan name A B C F F-HD N 100% of Part B coinsurance A portion of the skilled nursing facility coinsurance 100% of Part A deductible 100% of Part B deductible 100% of any fees Part B won t cover the excess charges ER visits if you travel outside the U.S. BlueCare Security saves you money In most cases, with Medicare and BlueCare Security, you may pay less per month than you pay today with your current plan. And you re covered for the health care costs that Medicare doesn t pay in full. When reviewing your options for coverage, remember to consider your health needs, travel plans and budget. And because each BlueCare Security plan is different, take some time to read all of the information in the Outline of Coverage booklet in the pocket of this kit or online at BlueCrossNEPAStore.com/Medicare. You can also call us, weekdays, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., at to learn more

8 See the savings Here are some examples of how BlueCare Security works in a benefit period* Carol has BlueCare Security Plan C. She prefers a plan that pays for any costs that Medicare does not cover. But this means she must pay a higher monthly premium. Receipt for Hospital Receipt for Hospital First 60 days with Medicare and BlueCare Security Plan C First 60 days with Medicare only 1 I m so grateful for BlueCare Security. It allows me to focus on my health and not my medical bills. Hospital procedure Hospital charge $3,000 Medicare pays $1,784 Hospital procedure Hospital charge $3,000 Medicare pays $1,784 Carol has a short hospital stay. With her BlueCare Security Plan C, she doesn t worry about paying for medical care costs. Medicare pays all of the costs, except for the Part A deductible of $1,216, which is paid by BlueCare Security. Balance due $1,216 BlueCare Security Plan C pays $1,216 Balance due $0 Carol s total cost $0 Balance due $1,216 Carol s total cost $1,216 2 Receipt for Skilled Nursing Facility 45 days with Medicare and BlueCare Security Plan C Receipt for Skilled Nursing Facility 45 days with Medicare only After Carol s hospital stay, she enters a Medicare-approved skilled nursing facility. She stays for 45 days. Medicare covers all costs except $152/day. BlueCare Security covers the difference, and once again, Carol isn t worried about any out-of-pocket costs. Skilled nursing facility care Facility charge $300/day Medicare pays $148/day Difference $152/day x 45 days Balance due $6,840 Skilled nursing facility care Facility charge Medicare pays $300/day $148/day Difference $152/day x 45 days Balance due $6,840 BlueCare Security Plan C pays $152/day x 45 days $6,840 Balance due $0 Carol s total cost $0 Carol s total cost $6,840 * These examples are for illustrative purposes only. They do not reflect any actual situations or payments involving Blue Cross members. 6 BlueCrossNEPAStore.com/Medicare

9 Ivan has BlueCare Security Plan N. He prefers to pay a lower monthly premium. BlueCare Security helps him pay for hospital stays and Part B coinsurance, and as an added value, Plan N covers Ivan when he visits family outside of the U.S. He s fine with paying doctor and ER copays and Part B deductibles. 1 No matter where I go, BlueCare Security plan gives me peace of mind. Blue Cross is a name I trust. Ivan has an illness and needs a 4-day hospital stay. With his BlueCare Security Plan N, he doesn t have to worry about paying any medical care costs. Medicare pays all of the costs, except for the Part A deductible of $1,216, which is paid by BlueCare Security. Receipt for Hospital First 60 days with Medicare and BlueCare Security Plan N Hospital procedure Hospital charge $4,000 Medicare pays $2,784 Balance due $1,216 BlueCare Security Plan N pays $1,216 Balance due $0 Ivan s total cost $0 Receipt for Hospital First 60 days with Medicare only Hospital procedure Hospital charge $4,000 Medicare pays $2,784 Balance due $1,216 Ivan s total cost $1,216 2 Ivan has a good recovery. In July, he decides to travel abroad to see his sister. But after a few days, he needs emergency care. Luckily for Ivan, because of his BlueCare Security plan, he has emergency coverage when traveling outside of the U.S. He has to pay a one-time (per calendar year) foreign travel fee of $250, and he is responsible for only 20% of the final costs. Receipt for Care Outside the U.S. With Medicare and BlueCare Security Plan N Emergency care ER charge $3,000 Medicare pays $0 Balance due $3,000 BlueCare Security Plan N pays 80% $2,400 Balance due is 20% $600 Ivan pays the 20% copay $600 Ivan pays Plan N s foreign travel fee + $250 Ivan s total cost $850 Receipt for Care Outside the U.S. With Medicare only Emergency care Hospital charge $3,000 Medicare pays $0 Balance due $3,000 Ivan s total cost $3,000 * These examples are for illustrative purposes only. They do not reflect any actual situations or payments involving Blue Cross members

10 Signing up for BlueCare Security Knowing your options means you can feel comfortable that you have the best Medicare coverage for your health care needs. You can enroll in BlueCare Security as long as you have Medicare Parts A and B. The best time to enroll is during your 6-month, Medigap Open Enrollment period which starts on the first day of the month you enrolled in Medicare Part B. When you enroll during this time, you won t be denied coverage and you won t have to answer any of the health questions on the application. You will be accepted at the preferred rate (lowest premium), and will be enrolled in the plan of your choice. Plus, your coverage begins on the first day of the next month. You can enroll in BlueCare Security plans A, B or C after your Medigap Open Enrollment period, but you ll have to answer the health questions on the application, and you may have a higher premium. We ll review your answers. If you are: Accepted at the preferred rate, you will be enrolled in the plan you picked Not eligible at the preferred rate, you will be offered the standard rate, which is slightly higher Denied at the standard rate, Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania will send you a letter that gives you some other options, including information on a Medicare Advantage plan, like FreedomBlue PPO 8 BlueCrossNEPAStore.com/Medicare

11 Can I enroll in BlueCare Security, if I m enrolled in Medicare Part A only? No. You need to have both Parts A and B to be eligible Do I need to complete the health screening questions? N/A I m enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B? I m in my Medigap Open Enrollment period? My Medigap Open Enrollment period has passed? Yes. Your Open Enrollment period starts on the first day that you have Medicare Part B and lasts 6 months Yes. This is the best time to enroll in BlueCare Security because your acceptance is guaranteed and you don t have to complete the health screening Yes. But, you will need to answer some health screening questions, and your acceptance is NOT guaranteed. You may have to pay a higher premium No No Yes Some Medicare beneficiaries have guaranteed issue rights. This means you can enroll in any BlueCare Security plan at any time. Plus, you won t be denied coverage, and you ll be accepted at the preferred rate. Guaranteed issue rights apply if you: Are in a Medicare Advantage Plan that stops operating in your service area or if you move out of that service area Have supplemental Medicare coverage through your employer that is ending Meet other conditions explained in Section F of the BlueCare Security application If these rights apply to you: We will cover your pre-existing health conditions You will not pay a higher premium for your BlueCare Security plan You will be enrolled in the plan you chose Can I enroll in BlueCare Security, if I have guaranteed issue rights? Yes. Your enrollment is guaranteed if you meet the requirements as explained in Section F of the application Do I need to complete the health screening questions? No Important note: If you are enrolled in another Medigap plan, you should not cancel that plan s coverage until you get notice that you have been accepted in BlueCare Security. Did you know? You can cancel your Medigap plan if you are not satisfied. Just let us know within 30 days, and we will treat the contract as if it never happened. Any payments will be returned; however, your claims won t be paid for care received on or after your effective date

12 FreedomBlue PPO a Medicare Advantage plan Another way to have additional coverage with Medicare is to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), such as FreedomBlue PPO offered by Highmark Blue Shield in association with Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania. FreedomBlue PPO combines doctor, hospital and (with most plans) pharmacy benefits in a single plan, with its own set of deductibles, copays and coinsurance so you don t have to worry about out-of-pocket costs associated with Medicare. These plans also have specific networks of providers that you can use for your medical care and services. Please note: Medicare Advantage plans, like FreedomBlue PPO, have a limited network. This means in some cases, you do not have coverage outside of the FreedomBlue PPO network. There are 6 FreedomBlue PPO plans to choose from. These plans help you save money with low monthly premiums, and give you useful extras you won t find in other plans such as: The ability to keep your current doctors and providers Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage Coverage for podiatry services, hearing aids, dentures, routine vision and more Low yearly deductible Membership in the award-winning SilverSneakers fitness program Signing up for FreedomBlue PPO There are specific times that you can sign up for FreedomBlue PPO or make a change to the Medicare Advantage plan you already have: During your Medicare Initial Enrollment period, see page 3 During the Fall Open Enrollment period, October 15 through December 7 During your Medicare Special Enrollment period, contact CMS at MEDICARE ( ) or (TTY) , any day, anytime. To learn more or to sign up for FreedomBlue PPO, go online to highmarkblueshield.com/medicare, or call , any day, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. 10 BlueCrossNEPAStore.com/Medicare

13 Step 3: Consider your prescription drug needs You should carefully consider your prescription drug coverage options when you sign up for Original Medicare. BlueCare Security coverage comes with its own prescription drug discount program*. Each discount is different and based on your individual prescription(s), but you should always get the best price possible. In most cases, you ll save close to 20%! Remember, this only gives you a discount; it is not prescription drug coverage. Simply show your BlueCare Security ID card at participating drugstores and pay the discounted price. Our pharmacy benefits administrator, Express Scripts, works with nearly every drugstore in northeastern and north central Pennsylvania, as well as drugstores across the country. Home delivery service is also available for maintenance meds. To find in-network pharmacies, visit bcnepa.com/pharmacy.aspx. Medicare Part D If you want more complete prescription drug coverage, you can enroll in Medicare Part D. This is a stand-alone prescription drug plan offered by Medicare-approved companies. It is available to anyone enrolled in Original Medicare. Medicare Part D will give you complete prescription drug coverage along with: A variety of copays and monthly premiums to fit any budget A large choice of generic and brand named Medicare-approved prescription drugs The choice to pick up your prescriptions at retail stores or to have them delivered to your home There are many Part D plans to choose from and each differs in cost and coverage. To learn more, visit medicare.gov/part-d or call: Highmark Blue Shield BlueRx at , weekdays, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., or visit them online at highmarkblueshield.com/medicare Express Scripts at , weekdays, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., or visit them online at express-scripts.com Important note: Most FreedomBlue PPO plans include Medicare Part D. * The prescription drug discount program is not a Medicare endorsed discount card program or a Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit plan. It only provides a discount on prescription drugs; it does not provide a prescription drug benefit. If you are currently enrolled in Pennsylvania s Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly Program (PACE) or any other government or privately funded prescription drug benefit plan, you should continue to use that plan s card for your prescription drugs

14 Now is the time As you can see, with Medicare, you may want to combine different types of additional coverage into a well-rounded plan that works for your health care needs and budget. By adding BlueCare Security or FreedomBlue PPO to your Medicare coverage, you can maximize your benefits and coverage. With BlueCare Security, you ll have assistance with the costs Medicare doesn t cover. Plus, you ll get access to a large network of local and national Medicare-approved doctors and hospitals. While with FreedomBlue PPO, you ll have the same benefits that are offered with Original Medicare with a specific network of doctors and hospitals, and additional benefits like prescription drugs, dental, vision, hearing and other wellness programs. When you are ready to enroll in Original Medicare or to make a change to your Medicare coverage, consider BlueCare Security and remember to keep your current health status and your retirement budget in mind. You ll also want to decide which benefits matter to you and think about the following questions which can help you to decide what the best option is for you. Has your health recently changed? Are you in good health, or do you have a chronic condition such as diabetes or heart disease? Do you see your doctor on a regular basis, or do you only see them for your annual well visit or for preventive care visits? Do you take prescription drugs on a daily basis? What prescriptions do you take? For more information on: Medicare and its premiums, visit medicare.gov or call CMS at MEDICARE ( ) or (TTY) , any day, anytime BlueCare Security, visit BlueCrossNEPAStore.com/ Medicare or call , weekdays, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. FreedomBlue PPO, visit highmarkblueshield.com/ medicare or call , any day, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. 12 BlueCrossNEPAStore.com/Medicare

15 Need some help? If you have questions about BlueCare Security, we re here for you. Call us at or (TTY) , weekdays, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Go on BlueCrossNEPAStore.com/Medicare Visit us in person. Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania retail stores are open, weekdays, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., at one of 3 locations: Bartonsville Plaza 292 Frantz Road, Suite 109 Bartonsville, PA Park Center 1019 Commerce Blvd. Dickson City, PA TJ Maxx Plaza 1754 East 3rd Street Williamsport, PA Our Corporate Headquarters is open weekdays, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Corporate Headquarters 19 North Main Street Wilkes-Barre, PA Enroll today Carefully read the information included in this kit and pay attention to the time lines for enrollment. Along with the Outline of Coverage, you ll find an Enrollment application and other important documents. If you need more information, call, click or visit. Our contact information is above. You can enroll in BlueCare Security online at BlueCrossNEPAStore.com/Medicare, or you can return your completed application, along with a copy of your Medicare card, in the enclosed envelope to: Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania Attention: Individual Products 19 North Main Street Wilkes-Barre, PA

16 Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is an association of independent, locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. Blue365 offers access to savings on items that Members may purchase directly from independent vendors, which are different from items that are covered under the policies with your Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield Company (each a Blue Company ), its contracts with Medicare, or any other applicable federal healthcare program. The products and services described herein are neither offered nor guaranteed under your Blue Company s contract with the Medicare program. In addition, they are not subject to the Medicare appeals process. Any disputes regarding these products and services may be subject to your Blue Company s grievance process. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) may receive payments from Blue365 vendors. BCBSA does not recommend, endorse, warrant or guarantee any specific Blue365 vendor or item. Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania provides prescription drug coverage with administrative assistance from Express Scripts, Inc., an independent pharmacy benefit management company not affiliated with the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania and its licensed affiliates, First Priority Life Insurance Company and First Priority Health, have made arrangements to provide access to dental coverage underwritten by United Concordia Life and Health Insurance Company and vision benefits underwritten by HM Life Insurance Company, and administered by Davis Vision, Inc. Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania and its licensed affiliates, First Priority Life Insurance Company and First Priority Health, are not responsible for the payment of claims or provision of dental and vision coverage. United Concordia Life and Health Insurance Company, HM Life Insurance Company and Davis Vision, Inc. are independent companies and not affiliated with the BlueCross and BlueShield Association. These are not BlueCross products. BlueCare Security is offered through Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania and Highmark Blue Shield, independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Highmark Blue Shield and their agents are not affiliated with Medicare. Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania is a Qualified Health Plan issuer in the Federally Facilitated Marketplace. Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania administers health plans for Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Highmark Blue Shield, First Priority Health and First Priority Life Insurance Company. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Registered Mark of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.