Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) and Blue Care Network (BCN) are adding 18 new health plans for the individual market for the 2023 ACA marketplace open enrollment period. The new plans include a new HMO virtual primary care plan and a localized network option that gives members more choice on where and how they get their care.
BCN’s virtual care plan gives HMO members the flexibility of getting care virtually, on-demand, BCBSM said. These plans will have the same care flexibility as in-person visits.
The localized network option is for HMO members in southeast Michigan looking for more affordable plans. These plans will offer a more narrow HMO network offering a more “streamlined group of in-network physicians,” BCBSM said in a press release.
“We recognize that individuals and families are looking for more ways to customize their health care coverage, so they have more access to the services they really need,” said Rick Notter, vice president of Individual Business for BCBSM. “This year’s additions not only provide members with several more plan options to fit their health care needs and budgets, they’re also providing more value, convenience and access through new partnerships and increased capabilities that we’re very excited to offer as part of our portfolio for the upcoming open enrollment.”
Additional benefits include genetic testing through BCBSM’s new Blue Cross Precision Medicine program for HMO members and a maternal health package for qualifying PPO and HMO members.
The Blue Cross Precision Medicine Program leverages genetic testing to personalize medication treatment based on a review of a patient’s currently prescribed medications. The program “works to optimize the medical benefits of specific therapies for individuals based on their genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors.”
Patients can take advantage of several additional benefits offered across the network’s individual market plans at no cost. These benefits include free annual visits, wellness appointments, vaccinations, Blue Cross medical online visits, and diabetes management tools.
BCBSM and BCN’s membership has been steady throughout 2022, with more than 160,000 members enrolled in the individual marketplace. Of those members, more than 55% receive subsidies through the marketplace to help pay their premiums.