Understanding $0 Medicare Plans

An older couple sits on the couch, looking at a laptop computer together
It’s true! You can pay no monthly premium and still have quality health care coverage with a Medicare Advantage plan. Read on to find out how $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans can give you so much for so little. Hundreds of thousands of Medicare beneficiaries have chosen coverage under Part C, which is also known as a Medicare Advantage plan....
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For Caregivers: Navigating the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period Like A Pro

If you’ve ever helped a loved one choose a Medicare plan, you know there’s a lot to consider. To help make this year’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) go as smoothly as possible, here’s some information and resources that can help you understand the options available and find the coverage that fits their needs.

The Basics of AEP

Medicare AEP is an important time to reflect together on the care your loved ones have been receiving and plan for the coming year....
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Working Together to Bring Home the Federal Employee Plan Excellence Award

Kelly Coley and her team accepting the Federal Employee Plan (FEP) Excellence Award at the annual National FEP Conference in Minneapolis this past June. This past June, Independence Blue Cross won the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association Federal Employee Plan Excellence Award. We received the honor at the annual National FEP Conference in Minneapolis....
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A Mobile App that Keeps Up with Me and My Family — No Matter Where We Are

I first became familiar with the IBX mobile app because of my job. As an Independence Blue Cross national sales consultant, I initially downloaded the app to familiarize myself with its features. That way, when I met with my external business partners to discuss our capabilities, I could speak about the app from experience. Now I can’t imagine not having it....
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Urgent Care and Retail Clinics: What to Do When You Get Sick While Traveling

A little girl blows her nose on the beach, as her mother comforts her.
It’s never fun to be sick, but it’s especially unpleasant when you’re on vacation. Getting sick not only ruins the fun and relaxation of vacation, it can also feel overwhelming to have to figure out where to go to get care. So, where do you start? It was a question I recently faced myself. My summer go-to destination is the Jersey shore,...
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Get #FearlessFit with Independence Blue Cross Member Discounts and Savings

A couple enjoys historic buildings from atop bicycles.
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like saving money, do you? As an Independence Blue Cross (Independence) member, save when you take advantage of free or discounted #FearlessFit activities throughout Philadelphia. Whether you want to go on a family outing, take a staycation in Philadelphia, or treat your sweetheart to date night without breaking the bank,...
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Transitions of Care: Helping Our Members Navigate Hospital Stays

Hospital Nurse With Digital Tablet Talks To Senior Patient
When you’re admitted to the hospital for an inpatient surgery or procedure, there’s a lot to manage. Depending on the reason for your hospital stay, there may be pre-admission paperwork, discharge instructions, medication management, follow-up appointments, side effects, physical therapy, home care services, and financial considerations.

Our Transitions of Care Program

That’s where the Independence Blue Cross transitions of care program can support you....
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Navigating Medicare Enrollment Periods

A woman takes notes while looking at her laptop computer which is sitting on a coffee table.
Original Medicare, the federal program that provides health insurance for Americans age 65 and older, pays for just 80 percent of most covered services. That leaves Medicare beneficiaries responsible for the remaining 20 percent of their bills. Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medicare Supplement plans both help cover those remaining costs, but the two types of plans function differently....
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Three Common Medicare Enrollment Mistakes

Messy desk, with a calendar at the center
Transitioning to Medicare can be intimidating, whether you’re changing insurance plans for the first time in decades or a savvy shopper who peruses the Marketplace for coverage every November. The good news is that enrolling in Medicare is easier than you think. Watch out for these three common Medicare enrollment mistakes, and you’ll find that signing up for Medicare coverage can be smooth sailing....
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Estimate Health Care Costs BEFORE Your Appointment

Photo of a woman looking at a laptop computer in her kitchen
When you find out that you need a health service, such as an X-ray, lab work, or surgery, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? If it’s, “How much is THAT gonna cost me?” you’re not alone. It’s an important consideration that, until now, hasn’t always been easy to calculate. And the difference between providers can amount to hundreds of dollars....
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