FARGO, N.D. — (Nov. 12, 2014) Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota's (BCBSND) MedicareBlue Rx prescription drug plan is the only plan in North Dakota to achieve a perfect five-star rating for 2015. The rating allows participants to enroll in the MedicareBlue Rx anytime during the year.
Other prescription drug plans are available only during Medicare's annual open enrollment period, which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
The five-star rating and the added bonus of a year-round enrollment period for customers demonstrate the excellence and accessibility of BCBSND's products and the not-for-profit company's strong focus on providing customers with the best possible service, quality and access to care.
"We are able to offer seniors the flexibility to purchase or switch back to our Blue Cross plan at any time of the year. Thanks to the five-star rating, they are not limited making decisions during the special open enrollment period," said Pat Bellmore, Chief Marketing Officer of BCBSND. "Seniors can get MedicareBlue Rx even if they get their Medicare supplement from another company."
The MedicareBlue Rx prescription drug plan, which is offered by BCBSND and five other Blues plans, is one of just three prescription drug plans in the country to receive a five-star rating on a scale of 1 to 5 for 2015 from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
All scores are posted online at www.Medicare.gov. Medicare prescription plans that receive five-star ratings can offer a special continual enrollment period, letting those eligible to enroll in the plan year round instead of during the fixed open enrollment period.
The Star Rating System was designed to provide consumers with additional information to help them choose a plan offered in their area. Plans are rated based on several quality measures, with the summary score providing a measure of a plan's overall quality and a representation of the quality of care, access to care, responsiveness and beneficiary satisfaction of the plan. Plans with five-star scores represent "excellent performance."
The plan also named one of the "Best Medicare Part D Plans" for 2015 by U.S. News & World Report.
"Having access to an affordable, high quality product throughout the year is an incredible opportunity for Medicare beneficiaries," said Deborah Madson, CEO of the Northern Plains Alliance, the alliance of six independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in seven states that offer MedicareBlue Rx. "We are delighted to achieve this exceptional performance again."
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
BCBSND is a member-owned, not-for-profit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. As North Dakota's largest provider of health care coverage, BCBSND is taking BOLD steps to collaborate with doctors, hospitals, clinics and members to ensure affordable access to quality health care in the state. To learn more about BCBSND, visit www.BCBSND.com.
