Sessions set to explain Excellus Medicare plans

North country residents who have questions about their Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Medicare plans could receive answers during two upcoming information sessions.

The company's Medicare representatives will be available at 11 a.m. Monday and March 7 at the Hampton Inn, 155 Commerce Park Drive, to chat with new Excellus Medicare enrollees.

"It's the first time they'll be conducting these sessions," said Elizabeth R. Martin, vice president of communications for BlueCross BlueShield of Central New York. "It's an opportunity for our members to ask questions in an informational and interactive forum."

She said there generally aren't great variations in Medicare plans from year to year, but even without changes, questions usually arise when members use benefits they have never had to use before.

"It's more of an opportunity to ask questions and learn more so they can take the best advantage of the plan," she said.

BlueCross BlueShield hosted Medicare enrollment sessions throughout Jefferson County in December for senior citizens looking to change, or join, Medicare Advantage or Medicare prescription drug plans, known as Medicare Part D. This year, 33 plans for drug coverage were available, which have a cost ranging from $14.80 to $107.80 per month for 2011 in New York.

Mrs. Martin said both information sessions are free and refreshments will be served. For other dates and locations, or to register, visit MyExcellusMedicare.com/Chats or call Excellus BlueCross BlueShield between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Mondays to Fridays at 1 (800) 236-5779. Through March 1, representatives also are available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends.

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield contracts with the federal government and is a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract.