State & FederalMedicare AdvantageJanuary 31, 2023

City of Manchester Offers Medicare Advantage Option

Beginning January 1, 2024, Empire became Anthem. This article, published under the former brand, now applies to Anthem.

Effective January 1, 2023, many City of Manchester retirees who are eligible for Medicare Parts A and B will be enrolled in an Anthem Medicare Preferred (PPO) plan. The plan allows retirees to receive services from any provider, as long as the provider is eligible to receive payments from Medicare. In addition, City of Manchester retirees pay the same cost share for both in-network and out-of-network services. The Medicare Advantage plan offers the same hospital and medical benefits that Medicare covers and covers additional benefits that Medicare does not, such as an annual routine physical exam, hearing, vision, LiveHealth Online. and SilverSneakers®.*

The prefix on City of Manchester member ID cards will be XNS. The ID cards will also show the City of Manchester logo.

Providers may submit claims electronically using the electronic payer ID for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association plan in their state or submit a UB-04 or CMS-1500 form to the Blue Cross Blue Shield plan in their state. Claims should not be filed with Original Medicare. Contracted and non‑contracted providers may call the Provider Services number on the back of the member ID card for benefit eligibility, prior authorization requirements, and for answers to any questions about City of Manchester member benefits or coverage.

Detailed prior authorization requirements also are available to contracted providers by accessing the Provider Self-Service Tool at Availity.com.*

* Silver Sneakers is an independent company providing senior fitness services on behalf of the health plan. Availity, LLC is an independent company providing administrative support services on behalf of the health plan.

NYBCBS-CR-012088-22-CPN11958

PUBLICATIONS: February 2023 Newsletter