Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage Plans begins Oct. 15

A sales representative works with a couple regarding their Medicare open enrollment options. Open enrollment begins Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Seniors ages 65 and older qualify

Fargo, N.D. – NextBlue of North Dakota is reminding seniors that the Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period for 2025 plans begins Tuesday, Oct. 15.

Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C, combines Original Medicare—parts A and B—into one easy-to-manage plan along with additional health-enhancing benefits. Plans may also include coverage for prescription drugs, routine vision and eyewear coverage, dental coverage, hearing aids, fitness center memberships, over-the-counter medications/supplies and clinical support.

In North Dakota, approximately 110,000 residents are enrolled in Medicare, roughly 15%* of the state's population. Of those, 25% are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan*, according to KFF.org, an independent source for health policy research, polling and news.

“North Dakotans deserve high-value plans designed specifically for them by fellow North Dakotans,” said Beth West, NextBlue Plan President. “Our NextBlue plans bring all the benefits of Medicare Advantage plans, while surrounding members with additional care coordination and services to help them optimize their benefits and navigate their health.”

Among those services is a partnership with Arkos Health.

NextBlue partners with Arkos Health to walk with members on their wellness journey. Arkos Health empowers members to live their healthiest lives through clinical services and programs -- all at no cost to the member. These programs help primary care and specialist providers manage and treat patients. They also improve the health care experience and reduce cost for members.

"Seniors in North Dakota have a full suite of options from Blue, from NextBlue Medicare Advantage plans to BCBSND Supplement plans," said Dan Conrad, BCBSND President & CEO. “It's never been easier to keep the Blue coverage you know and trust. Agents across the state can assist, helping seniors find a plan from Blue that best works for their needs."

NextBlue is accepted at all major North Dakota health systems, including: Altru Health System, CHI Health, Essentia Health, Sanford Health, Trinity Health and other critical access hospitals and providers throughout the state. The network also includes urgent and emergency health care providers around the country and the world.

“North Dakota seniors love to travel. They’ll appreciate knowing that our NextBlue PPO plans can travel with them,” said West.

THE NEXTBLUE DIFFERENCE

• Designed for and by North Dakotans
• Available in all 53 of the state’s 53 counties
• All plans’ coverage includes medical, vision, dental, hearing and fitness benefits.
• Offers a broad network of acute care and critical access hospitals. The plan is accepted at all major North Dakota healthcare systems.
• NextBlue’s Classic PPO and Premium PPO plans include Part D drug coverage.

Outside of the Oct. 15 – Dec. 7 Annual Enrollment Period, individuals can change their Medicare Advantage and Part D drug coverage during certain life events, known as Special Enrollment Periods. These life events include moving, losing other coverage and more.

North Dakotans who have enrollment questions or want more information can visit NextBlueND.com or call 1-844-753-8038 (TTY: 711) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

*source: KFF.org (2024)

About NextBlue of North Dakota PPO

Headquartered in Fargo, NextBlue of North Dakota Insurance Company (www.NextBlueND.com) is the only North Dakota-based Medicare Advantage health insurance company.**The company began operating in 2019 and is an affiliate of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND). BCBSND was founded in 1940 with the mission to provide members with affordable access to health care across the state.

NextBlue of North Dakota is a PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in NextBlue of North Dakota depends on contract renewal. Other providers are available in the network.

**source: Medicare Advantage/Part D Contract and Enrollment Data | CMS (2024)