ALBANY, N.Y.--Empire BlueCross and Empire BlueCross BlueShield (Empire) announced today that, beginning January 2019, consumers enrolled in its Medicare Advantage health plans will be able to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) medications and
health-related products at CVS Pharmacy stores using their health plan’s allowance. The addition of CVS Pharmacy to Empire’s network of OTC retailers is part of the company’s continued commitment of making healthcare simpler for consumers and improving their health and well-being. “Creating an enhanced healthcare experience for New Yorkers and giving them easier access to the products and services that aid consumers in leading healthier lives requires us to develop meaningful solutions for
the individuals enrolled in our plans,” said Tomas Orozco, President of Empire’s Medicare business. “We are pleased to work together with CVS Pharmacy because we share the common goal of helping individuals manage their health in more effective ways. We believe that collaborations like this can make a tremendous difference for consumers who often are managing chronic medical conditions.” With more than 490 stores in New York State, CVS Pharmacy provides a convenient shopping option for
consumers enrolled in Empire’s Medicare Advantage plans. CVS Pharmacy carries a wide assortment of products and solutions that help consumers get well and stay well, including first aid supplies, support braces, pain relievers, and more. To use their OTC allowance at CVS Pharmacy, individuals must purchase the OTC medications and health-related items in-store. “CVS Pharmacy is pleased to partner with Empire BlueCross and Empire BlueCross BlueShield to offer plan consumers increased access
to the products they need to care for themselves,” said Emmanuel Kolady, Division Vice President, CVS Pharmacy. “This collaboration ensures that Empire Medicare Advantage plan consumers are able to purchase medications and other health-related products at one of hundreds of CVS Pharmacy locations in New York, helping them achieve their best health.” Many of Empire’s 2019 Medicare Advantage plans offer a significant OTC allowance – as much as $960 annually. These types of benefits can be
important to older adults who are often on a fixed income. According to the Social Security Administration, nearly a quarter of married seniors and four out of 10 unmarried older adults rely on their Social Security benefit, which averages just over $1,400 a month, for at least 90 percent of their income. Empire also collaborates with other retailers to give consumers increased access to OTC medications and health-related products through the use of a plan’s OTC allowance. If a consumer
would like to use one of these other retailers, the company will work with him/her to find the option that best fits his/her needs. Empire BlueCross BlueShield is a plan (HMO and LPPO) with a Medicare contract. Empire BlueCross is an HMO DSNP plan with a Medicare contract and a coordination of benefits agreement with the New York State Department of Health. About Empire BlueCross BlueShield Empire BlueCross (Empire) is the trade name of Empire HealthChoice
Assurance, Inc. and Empire BlueCross HMO is the trade name of Empire HealthChoice HMO, Inc. independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, serving residents and businesses in the 28 eastern and southeastern counties of New York State. Additional information about Empire is available at www.empireblue.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/EmpireBCBS and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/EmpireBlueCrossBlueShield. About Blue Cross Blue Shield AssociationThe Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 34 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans. The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of 35 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield companies. Have questions or need help?Empire wants you to understand your benefits and receive the best possible care. Our Member Services team is here to help. You can reach us in several ways. Send us a secure messageIf you’re already a member, log in to your account to send us a message. Go to your messages Call usNeed to talk with a nurse?Call our toll-free 24/7 NurseLine Behavioral Health Support1-800-300-8181 (TTY 711) Have questions about your benefits?Call Member Services for help Our reps are here to help with:
We’re available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Want help with enrollment or renewal?Medicaid, Child Health Plus or Essential Plan: Call 1-888-809-8009 (TTY 711) Want to talk to someone in person?Visit one of our Community Service CentersOur team can help you:
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What is the company address for Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield?Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, 1 Liberty Plz, New York, NY, Medical Insurance Plans - MapQuest.
Is Empire BlueCross BlueShield the same as Blue Cross Blue Shield?About Empire BlueCross BlueShield
and Empire BlueCross HMO is the trade name of Empire HealthChoice HMO, Inc. independent licensees of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, serving residents and businesses in the 28 eastern and southeastern counties of New York State.
How do I submit a claim to Empire Blue Cross?Log in to empireblue.com and click the Claims tab. If your claim isn't there or you still have questions, click Customer Support and choose how you'd prefer to contact us. Or call the Member Services number on your member ID Card.
Who is the CEO of Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield?“We are New York's health insurance company – a dedicated team of New Yorkers taking care of New Yorkers for the last 85 years,” said Alan J. Murray, President & CEO, New York Markets, Empire BlueCross BlueShield.
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