IBEW Local 25, New York moves to the Retiree Solutions Medicare Advantage Plan from Empire BlueCross BlueShield

Effective April 1, 2023, IBEW Local 25 in New York will offer a Retiree Solutions Medicare Preferred (PPO) plan from Empire BlueCross BlueShield (Empire). Empire will provide medical benefits for IBEW Local 25 retirees through the Retiree Solutions Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan from Empire, which includes the National Access Plus benefit. The PPO plan allows members to receive services from any provider as long as the provider is eligible to receive payments from Medicare.

IBEW Local 25 members’ copay or coinsurance percentage will be the same whether their provider is in- or out-of-network. Locally or nationwide, doctors or hospitals, member share-of-cost (SOC) doesn’t change.

Non-contracted providers may continue treating IBEW Local 25 members and will be reimbursed [100%] of Medicare’s allowed amount for covered services, less any member SOC. 

The Medicare Advantage plan offers the same hospital and medical benefits that Medicare covers, while covering additional benefits that Medicare does not, such as LiveHealth Online* and SilverSneakers.*

The prefix on the Medicare Advantage ID cards is XLU.

Detailed prior authorization requirements are also available to contracted providers by accessing the Provider Self-Service Tool on the Availity Essentials* at https://www.availity.com.

Providers will follow their normal claim filing procedures for IBEW Local 25 member claims.

Providers may call Provider Services at 833-910-4432 for eligibility, prior authorization requirements, and any questions about the IBEW Local 25 member benefits or coverage.