MA Enrollment Among Blues Plans Up 16% For 2014, According to Data in the March Issue of The AIS Report on Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans
Washington, DC (PRWEB) March 19, 2014 -- Collectively, the nation’s Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans began 2014 with nearly 2.3 million Medicare Advantage (MA) enrollees — up almost 16% since February 2013, according to an exclusive analysis done by Avalere Health LLC of data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the results of the Medicare Advantage Annual Election Period (AEP) appearing in the March issue of The AIS Report on Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans*. Among all health plan operators, MA plans now cover 30% of Medicare beneficiaries, or almost 16 million people — up close to 9% from 2013. The new CMS data cover enrollments accepted through Jan. 10.
Most notably, Health Care Service Corp. (HCSC), which operates Blues plans in five states, saw its MA enrollment balloon a whopping 245.5% from a year ago, according to the CMS data. The company also saw a 10% increase in Part D enrollment, to 307,740. HCSC says the gain is due, in part, to its expansion into the Oklahoma and Montana markets as well as an expanded product portfolio in its other states — Illinois, New Mexico and Texas. HCSC acquired the Montana Blues Plan in July 2013. Corey Ford, senior manager at Avalere Health LLC, notes that HCSC was well-positioned to get a bump in MA lives as a result of its service area expansion under one of its 2013 contracts — in addition to some new 2014 plans under this same contract — and the acquisition of Lovelace Health Plan’s business lines in New Mexico and Oklahoma.
Visit http://aishealth.com/archive/nblu0314-01 to read the article in its entirety, which includes a table offering the full analysis.
About The AIS Report on Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans*
The AIS Report on Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans delivers timely news and insightful analysis of new products, market share, strategies, conversions, financing, profitability and strategic alliances of Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans, which are major players in every U.S. health insurance market. The 12-page monthly newsletter is must-reading for plan managers and others who consider BCBS plans to be partners or competitors. Visit http://aishealth.com/marketplace/ais-report-blue-cross-and-blue-shield-plans for more information.
*The AIS Report on Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans is published independently by AIS and is not affiliated with or sponsored, endorsed or approved by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association or any of the independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies.
About Atlantic Information Services
Atlantic Information Services, Inc. (AIS) is a publishing and information company that has been serving the health care industry for more than 25 years. It develops highly targeted news, data and strategic information for managers in hospitals, health plans, medical group practices, pharmaceutical companies and other health care organizations. AIS products include print and electronic newsletters, websites, looseleafs, books, strategic reports, databases, webinars and conferences. Learn more at http://AISHealth.com.
Jill Brown, Executive Editor, Atlantic Information Services, http://aishealth.com, +1 (202) 775-9008 Ext: 3058, [email protected]
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