Seniors: read the fine print
Marion County senior citizens who have Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance may be getting a raw deal if they don't read the fine print.
Letters recently have been sent to BCBS subscribers who use Plan 65 F to notify them of premium increases for 2005.
The letter urges subscribers to consider switching to Plan 65-Select, promising a significant savings in premiums. The letter goes on to say subscribers will "have exactly the same benefits." The only catch is that subscribers must use "select" hospitals in the BCBS network.
The letter promises "With Plan 65-Select you can enjoy a lower premium in the year 2005
Why is this a raw deal?
Marion County residents who sign up for Plan 65-Select will be required to use hospitals in Wichita or Kingman. That means stays or services at St. Luke Hospital in Marion, Hillsboro Community Medical Center, or Newton Medical Center will not be covered.
Seniors are urged to beware of "too good to be true" plans that offer vast savings or better service.
If you've already signed up for Plan 65-Select, you may return the policy to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas at 1133 SW Topeka Blvd., Topeka 66629-0001. If you return the policy within 30 days after you receive it, BCBS will treat the policy as if it had never been issued, return any applicable payments, and transfer you back to your current Plan 65 policy.
