HCSC expanding Medicare Advantage footprint to 150 new counties

Photo: Marko Geber/Getty Images

Health Care Service Corporation is doubling down on Medicare Advantage and planning a service area and product expansion in 2023 that's expected to reach 150 new counties across Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas – encompassing about 1.1 million Medicare-eligible patients.

The proposed expansion, which focuses on providing access to care in rural and underserved areas, would allow the company to offer Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans to 7.5 million people in more than 330 total counties – a more than 40% increase.

HCSC currently insures about 17 million Americans in five states, including seniors through its Medicare Advantage plans. 

Many HCSC MA plans provide additional benefits beyond traditional Medicare, including dental, vision and prescription drug coverage at a number of price points, including options with $0 monthly premiums.

WHAT'S THE IMPACT?

For 2023, HCSC's MA plans and benefits are intended to lower out-of-pocket costs, support the affordability of prescription drugs and increase access to enhanced benefits.

Nathan Linsley, HCSC senior vice president, government and individual markets, said via statement that the company has carefully chosen its expansion areas and product offerings to reflect market need, with an eye toward equitable access.

"We are committed to the Medicare population and will continue to grow and evolve our products and networks to deliver the best member experience and overall outcomes," he said.

HCSC is supporting the MAPD county footprint with an expansion of provider networks across all five states.

The company is in the process of seeking all necessary regulatory approvals for 2023. The Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plan Annual Election Period starts October 15 and ends December 7.

THE LARGER TREND

Earlier this year, HCSC said it would team with the National Fitness Campaign through its Healthy Cities program to increase access to physical exercise by bringing free, outdoor Fitness Courts to communities in Illinois and Texas. The move is a bid to reduce barriers to physical and mental health.

In 2020, HSCA eliminated about 400 middle-management jobs to "best serve our customers now and into the future of the rapidly changing healthcare landscape," spokesman Greg Thompson said in a statement at the time.

According to Thompson, the company is "rebalancing our resources to meet the diverse needs of our customers, provider partners and other stakeholders." While declining to provide a detailed breakdown of where the job cuts will occur, Thompson said the positions are being eliminated "to reduce organizational redundancy and improve decision-making efficiency."

That same year, HCSC planned to add about 1,000 new jobs, primarily in customer and provider service, technology and digital capabilities.
 

Twitter: @JELagasse
Email the writer: jeff.lagasse@himssmedia.com