Medicare Part C is also called Medicare Advantage (MA). New York Medicare Advantage Plans include all the benefits of Parts A and B of Original Medicare plus benefits for Medicare-eligibles like extra vision, dental , and hearing coverage. With Empire, you’ll get an MA Plan with $0 monthly premiums, $0 copays for extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing, and $0 copays for preventive care like annual check-ups. Most MA plans also include Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) to complete your care. All in one low-cost plan.
In New York, Empire offers plans with premiums as low as $0. You'll also enjoy peace of mind with hearing, vision and dental benefits built right in the plan to help with what Original Medicare doesn't cover. To get a closer look at how Medicare Advantage plans work with Original Medicare, visit: What is Medicare Part C ?
Medicare Advantage Plans work like traditional HMOs and PPOs, which you’re probably already familiar with. We also offer Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans for those who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. All our Medicare Advantage Plans come with preventive care benefits to help keep you healthy and on the go.
With Empire MediBlue HMOs, you benefit from our leading network of doctors and care providers. You’ll save on monthly premiums with rates as low as $0 and save on doctor visits, too. On a Medicare Advantage HMO plan, you’ll choose a primary care physician (PCP) who you’ll see for all your check-ups and regular exams. Your PCP also directs you to the right specialists when you need them.
On an Empire Medicare Advantage PPO, you’ll have lots of flexibility. You’ll still pick a primary care physician for check-ups, but you can also choose to see any doctor or specialist in your network without needing a referral. At Empire, our network is always growing to serve you better. You can also see doctors outside your network but services may cost more.
Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are Medicare Advantage plans for people living with certain medical conditions, or those with low incomes. Empire doesn’t currently offer Chronic Condition SNPs, but we have Dual Eligible SNPs if you have both Medicare and Medicaid. This type of Dual plan supports you with extra benefits and coverage, such as money for over-the-counter health items.
Learn more about types of SNPs, what they cover and who is eligible.
Learn more about Dual Eligible SNPs, for people with both Medicare and Medicaid.
Preventive care is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. Regular check-ups, tests, shots and screenings can protect you from disease or injury, or lead to early detection and more effective treatment. Here’s a list of preventive services included with all of our Medicare Advantage Plans in New York at no extra cost.
Pneumococcal
Flu
Hepatitis B (for people at medium to high risk)
One-Time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit (within the first 12 months of having Part B)
Yearly “Wellness” visits
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (for people at risk)
Alcohol misuse (screening and counseling)
Bone mass measurement
Breast cancer (mammograms)
Cardiovascular disease
Cervical and vaginal cancer
Colorectal cancer
Depression
Diabetes (for people at risk)
Glaucoma (for people at high risk)
Hepatitis C (for certain ages and people at high risk)
HIV (for people at increased risk)
Pap test
Prostate cancer
Sexually transmitted infections (screening and counseling)
Cardiovascular disease (intensive behavioral therapy)
Diabetes self-management training
Medical nutrition therapy (for people with diabetes or renal disease)
Obesity (intensive behavioral therapy)
Smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling
If your state isn't listed, check out bcbs.com to find coverage in your area.
Y0114_20_123955_U CMS Accepted 08/20/2020
Empire BlueCross BlueShield is a Medicare Advantage Organization with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in Empire BlueCross BlueShield depends on contract renewal.
