Important! Blue KC Medicare SELECT updates
Members in Blue KC Medicare SELECT plans will see significant changes in 2025:
- Kansas Medicare SELECT will have a narrower network of hospital systems.
- Missouri Medicare SELECT will terminate December 31, 2024.
Medicare SELECT is a Medicare Supplement policy that requires you to use hospitals within its network to be eligible for the hospital benefits available under your contract. This restriction is required only for inpatient hospital stays. While there are no network restrictions on physicians (i.e., members can see their doctor of choice), members should check whether their physician has privileges at a Medicare SELECT participating hospital. This will ensure members are eligible for the available hospital benefits under their contract (in the case of an inpatient hospital admission).
This change only impacts the Medicare Part A benefits of the Medicare SELECT policy. While these changes are significant, Blue KC is offering Medicare SELECT members a special opportunity to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan through a Guaranteed Issue.
Updated Kansas Medicare SELECT network
The following hospital systems will no longer be part of the Kansas Medicare SELECT network:
- Belton Regional Medical Center
- Cass Regional Medical Center
- Centerpoint Medical Center
- Lafayette Regional Health Center
- Lee’s Summit Medical Center
- Menorah Medical Center
- North Kansas City Hospital
- North Kansas City Hospital Rehab Unit
- Overland Park Regional Medical Center
- Research Medical Center
The following hospital systems, which are subject to change, are still currently included in the Kansas Medicare SELECT network:
- University of Kansas Hospital
- Excelsior Springs Hospital
From now until March 4, 2025, current Medicare SELECT members may enroll in a Blue KC Medicare Supplement plan, which includes:
- Predictable benefits
- Stable rates
- Local Kansas City customer service
- Freedom to choose providers
Coverage start dates vary depending on enrollment.
- Enroll by December 31, 2024 – Coverage starts January 1, 2025
- Enroll January 1 – March 4, 2025: Coverage starts the first of the month after enrolling
Blue KC Medicare SELECT members who enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan will have Guaranteed Issue rights.
Please consult with your clients and help them understand their next steps and timing. If you have questions about Medicare SELECT, please contact your Blue KC representative.