Empire Medicare Services serves over 5.4 million Medicare beneficiaries in the Northeast, making it one of the largest Medicare providers in the country.  There are three plans in which Empire Medicare provides: Medicare Supplement Plan, Medicare Advantage HMO, and Medicare Advantage PPO or Regional PPO.

 

Medicare Supplement Plan

Empire's Medicare Supplement Plan will help pay for services and fees that Medicare does not pay for.  These include but are not limited to deductibles, co-insurance, and co-payments.  The Empire Medicare Supplement also speak to members who want to keep their doctor or other specialists.

 

Out of the 12 standardized Medicare Supplement plans (A-L), Empire Medicare Supplement offers 7 - A, B, C, F, H, K and L.

 

Those who are eligible to enroll in Empire's Supplement plan are mostly New York State residents who live in the New York, Mid-Hudson, and Albany region, 65 years or older and who are already enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.  Those who are under 65 years but have a disability and/or end stage renal disease are also eligible. Premiums for this plan can be paid on either a quarterly or a monthly basis.

 

Medicare Advantage HMO

Members under Empire's Medicare Advantage HMO plan have the advantage of using doctors and hospitals within Empire's network and have access to wellness and preventive programs as well as discounts on products and services.

 

Under Empire's Medicare Advantage HMO plan, members are also enrolled in Medicare's prescription drug coverage, or Medicare Part D.  Referrals are not necessary from a members primary care physician, and are able to choose a specialist of their choice.  The primary care physician is chosen by the member under Empire's Medicare Advantage HMO plan and can be a general or family practitioner or an internist.

 

There are three plans under Empire's Medicare Advantage HMO Plan: MediBlue Plus HMO, MediBlue Value HMO and MediBlue Select HMO.  Eligibility varies between HMO plans but all plans are in the New York area.  Depending on the type of plan and the region where a beneficiary lives, the cost of the monthly premium varies.  Unless paid by Medicaid or another third party, the beneficiary is required to pay the Medicare Part B premium as well.

 

Medicare Advantage PPO

Medicare Advantage PPO Health Plans is an annual contract that must begin at certain times of the year.  Those who are eligible for Medicare Advantage PPO are entitled to Medicare Part A and are already enrolled in Medicare Part B.

 

Under the Medicare Advantage PPO plan, beneficiaries are able to choose from in-network doctors and/or specialists or from out-of-network doctors and/or specialists at an additional cost. Just like Empire's Medicare Advantage HMO plan, Medicare Part D is also covered under Empire's Medicare Advantage PPO plan, however Medicare Part B still must be paid for if not paid otherwise by Medicaid or another third party.

 

Empire offers several Medicare preferred provider organization plans, which include MediBlue Plus, MediBlue Value, and MediBlue Select. Although your eligibility may vary depending on the plan you choose, every option is in the New York area.  Depending on the type of plan and the region where a beneficiary lives, the cost of the monthly premium varies.