PHILADELPHIA, PA., Dec. 20, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Independence Blue Cross today announced the introduction of a new national health plan option for Medicare-eligible group retirees starting January 1. 2014. The new Personal Choice 65 PPO is a Medicare Advantage PPO plan that includes comprehensive Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. The product is available to employers headquartered in the five counties in southeastern Pennsylvania and to their Medicare-eligible retirees nationwide. Enrollees must be eligible for Medicare Part A and enrolled in Part B.

"We expanded our product portfolio to include a national PPO Medicare group plan to serve more customers in a wider area," said Robert Smith, IBC's vice president of sales and marketing for Government Markets. "This option allows us to offer a full suite of retiree products to customers and prospects looking for affordable solutions from a health plan they know and trust."

IBC's Personal Choice 65 PPO group plan, which achieved a 4 out of 5 Star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, provides members more choice, such as getting care from any doctor that accepts Medicare. However, members' out-of-pocket costs are lowest when they receive services from physicians and hospitals that participate in the Blue Plan network. The plan also includes coverage for preventive care services such as mammograms and colorectal exams to help members stay healthier and treat problems early.

As with all of IBC's Medicare Advantage health plans, members have access to many other user-friendly tools and personalized services to help them make the best decisions about their health and their health care dollar. Members also have access to important resources such as case management and disease management programs. The group PPO plan also includes SilverSneakers®– a fitness program from Healthways, Inc., an independent company – which has more than 15,000 locations across the country, to inspire workouts close to home or when on vacation.

The Personal Choice 65 national PPO group plan expands IBC's portfolio of Medicare products, which includes its Keystone 65 HMO and POS group plans, Medicare Part D, and Medicare supplement plans.

About Independence Blue Cross

Proudly celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2013, Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we serve more than 7 million people nationwide, including 2.2 million in the region. We are enhancing the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve by delivering innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneering new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and supporting programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more about how we're changing the game, visit www.ibx.com. Connect with us on Facebook at ibx.com/facebook and on Twitter at @ibx. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.