Get More Benefits With Medicare Part C Coverage In New York
Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) in New York offer broad healthcare coverage in one convenient and low-cost plan. These plans include all the coverage of Original Medicare (Parts A and B) along with extra benefits you won’t get with Medicare alone. Most of our Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage and benefits for dental, vision, and hearing care. Plus, you can conveniently access those benefits and more with our new Medicare flex card.
Medicare Advantage HMO And PPO Plans
Our Medicare Advantage plans in New York are either health maintenance organizations (HMOs) or preferred provider organizations (PPOs). We have a leading network of doctors and hospitals, and we constantly work with them to lower costs of care.
Empire MediBlue HMO
With a Medicare Advantage HMO plan, you’ll choose a primary care physician (PCP) whom you’ll see for check-ups and regular exams. Your PCP can also help you find the right specialists when you need them.
Empire MediBlue PPO
With a Medicare Advantage PPO, you do not need to choose a primary care physician (PCP) and can see any doctor or specialist in the plan l. You can also see doctors outside of the plan, but the services may cost more.
Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans
Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are Medicare Advantage plans for people living with certain medical conditions, or those with low incomes. Empire doesn’t currently offer Chronic Condition SNPs, but we have Dual Eligible SNPs if you have both Medicare and Medicaid. Our SNPs support you with extra benefits and coverage.
Benefits With Empire Medicare Advantage Plans
You receive dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage with an Empire Medicare Advantage plan in New York. You may also receive other valuable benefits that help you with everyday health and living. Benefits may vary by plan.
Fitness membership with SilverSneakers®
Coverage for OTC health products
Rides to health-related appointments
Free meals with delivery
Contact a caregiver or emergency services at the push of a button
Connect with providers by computer, tablet or smartphone in the convenience of your home
Is A Medicare Advantage Plan Right For You?
Here are some things to consider when trying to determine if a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan in New York may best fit your needs.
Yes
- You have Original Medicare Parts A and B, but no other coverage outside of that.
- You want coverage for dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drugs.
- You want a limit on how much you will pay out of pocket.
No
- You have healthcare coverage from a union or employer that helps pay for what Original Medicare doesn’t cover.
- You plan to buy a separate prescription drug plan (Part D) to complement Original Medicare.
- You are not worried about paying for what Original Medicare doesn’t cover.
Switching Medicare Advantage Plans
Everyone wants a Medicare plan they like enough to keep for the long run, but sometimes health needs change. Plan coverage areas and benefits in New York can also change from time to time.
If you need to change your Medicare Advantage plan, we can help. There are also certain times each year when you can change your plan and special enrollment periods that allow for a plan change.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Part C plans are plan options that include Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B in addition to other coverage including prescription drugs, dental and vision care, and more. Know what Medicare Part C covers.
You can only enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during certain times.
- The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period occurs every year from October 15 to December 7.
- You can also enroll 3 months before and after your 65th birthday.
- You may also be eligible for Special Enrollment Periods.
Some Medicare Advantage plans have a monthly plan premium of $0. But they are not completely free. You still need to pay for your Medicare Part B coverage and any deductibles and copays specified in the plan.
More To Know About Medicare Advantage
Find Options Available In Your State
If your state isn’t listed, visit www.bcbs.com for other coverage options.

Attend A Free Medicare Event
Sign up for a free Medicare event to learn how Empire Medicare plans help cover costs that Original Medicare doesn’t. You can attend a virtual Medicare webinar. Or, if you prefer, come to a live seminar in your area where a licensed Medicare agent will be present to answer your questions.
Empire BlueCross BlueShield is a Medicare Advantage plan with a Medicare contract. Empire BlueCross BlueShield is an SNP with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in Empire BlueCross BlueShield depends on contract renewal.