Starting in 2023, even more New Jerseyans will be able to access Braven Health’s vast network and robust benefit offering, because Braven Medicare Choice (PPO) will be the only Blue Cross® Blue Shield® Medicare Advantage PPO plan available in every New Jersey county, from Warren to Cape May.

Braven Health is one of the fastest-growing Medicare Advantage plans in New Jersey. What’s behind this explosive growth?

It starts with offering more options for members, increased services, greater simplicity and better value through the power of partnership.

• The benefits you need
• The doctors you trust
• The extras you expect from a Blue Cross^® Blue Shield^® plan

The Braven Health+ Smart Card offers a flexible way to use your extra benefits.

The 2023 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2022. To learn more about the various Braven Health plans, visit BravenHealth.com or call 1-866-341-3237 (TTY 711).

Braven Health Medicare Advantage: Coverage for all of New Jersey

What matters most when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan? Access to a wide network of providers and specialists? A trusted organization with decades of health management experience that you can trust?

These are among the reasons why Braven Health is the Garden State’s fastest-growing Medicare Advantage provider. The company, which since 2021 has been offering low- or zero-premium HMO and PPO plans to beneficiaries in eight New Jersey counties, is expanding its reach to all of New Jersey for 2023.

You’re Never Far from the Care You Need

Braven Health is owned jointly by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, one of the state’s most trusted and largest health insurers, and two of the state’s leading health care systems, Hackensack Meridian Health and RWJBarnabas Health. This partnership built the foundation for Braven Health’s large network of doctors, hospitals and other health care providers, but it’s even bigger than that. The result is a Medicare Advantage plan with PPO options that give you access to every hospital in New Jersey* and Medicare doctors across the state and nationwide. PPO members have an extended nationwide network in 48 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.**

“Our trusted partnership with Hackensack Meridian Health and RWJBarnabas Health highlights our focus on supporting the delivery of high-quality care to our members,” said Braven Health Chief Operating Officer Audrey Mahoney. “Medicare beneficiaries in New Jersey recognize the value of our benefit packages and ease of access to getting care. We’re excited to continue growing and serving our membership.”

With the collective reputation and backing of Horizon BCBSNJ, Hackensack Meridian Health and RWJBarnabas Health, Braven Health’s provider network is as expert as it is expansive.

Statewide Access to Great Benefits and High-quality, Affordable Care

Starting in 2023, even more New Jerseyans will be able to access Braven Health’s vast network and robust benefit offerings. That’s because Braven Medicare Choice (PPO) will be the only Blue Cross^® Blue Shield^® Medicare Advantage PPO plan available in every New Jersey county, from Warren to Cape May.

“Braven Health’s continued growth allows even more Medicare beneficiaries to access great benefits and high-quality care at an affordable price,” Mahoney said.

“Expansion into the remaining 13 counties will give Medicare beneficiaries in those counties access to our plan, which has a zero-dollar premium, no medical deductible and significant enhancements beyond traditional Medicare,” added Braven Health Chief Clinical Officer Michael Sheehan, MD.

Braven Health is offering its Braven Medicare Choice (PPO) plan for all beneficiaries throughout New Jersey for 2023.

Braven Health is offering its Braven Medicare Choice (PPO) plan for all beneficiaries throughout New Jersey for 2023. Members pay a $0 monthly premium while getting $0 in-network primary care doctor visits, prescription copays starting at $0 and out-of-state network access. Also included in the Braven Medicare Choice (PPO) plan is up to $1,300 annually in health-related extras. (More on that below.)

Braven Health will continue to offer the Braven Medicare Plus (HMO) in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean and Union counties.

In addition to an expansive network of medical providers and facilities, Braven Health members also get access to $0 in-network dental, vision and hearing benefits.

Starting in 2023, members will receive the new Braven Health+ Smart Card, a debit card that will be loaded with up to $1,300 in benefit allowances.​

A ‘Smart’ Additional Benefit

But there’s even more in store for Braven Health members. Starting in 2023, members will receive the new Braven Health+ Smart Card, a debit card that members can use to access up to $1,300 in benefit allowances. This card gives members easy access to many of their benefits, like an over-the-counter allowance and flex benefit allowance where they can purchase a range of eligible health related products and services. Members also  can earn rewards and incentives for getting certain preventive services and those rewards will also be available on the Braven Health+ Smart Card. (See “Braven Health’s new Smart Card: what you’ll get” for details on the benefit allowances.)

“The card can be used just like any other debit card to purchase many items and services covered under our plans, such as over-the-counter items, fitness memberships, glasses and contacts, rides to the doctor, and much more,” Mahoney said. “Depending on the type of purchase, members can choose to order items online or over the phone, or they can make payments in person at participating locations. Having an all-in-one card and the ability to make purchases at a variety of locations makes it easy for our members to use their extra benefits.”

The 2023 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2022. To learn more about the various Braven Health plans, visit BravenHealth.com or call 1-866-341-3237 (TTY 711).

4-star Rating from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

With the collective reputation and backing of Horizon BCBSNJ, Hackensack Meridian Health and RWJBarnabas Health, Braven Health’s provider network is as expert as it is expansive. Braven Health’s commitment to high-quality care is evidenced by the 4-star rating its 2023 PPO plans received from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which annually evaluates health plans and facilities.

“Braven Health maintains an active provider council that allows Braven Health and our network providers to have an open and transparent dialogue,” Dr. Sheehan said. “Physicians can share with the plan what they feel is most critical for the patients. Quality of care and member satisfaction are of paramount importance to Braven Health, and listening to the voice of our providers allows us to best meet our members’ needs.”

To get the word out about its 2023 plan offerings during the current Medicare enrollment period, Braven Health is hosting in-person informational meetings throughout New Jersey, as well as virtual sessions. Prospective members who come to an in-person session will receive a $15 gift card just for attending.

Prospective members can visit bravenhealth.com to learn more about Braven Health’s plan offerings, search for in-network providers, get answers to basic questions about Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, or enroll online. Or call Braven Health at 1-866-341-3237 (TTY 711) to speak with an agent.

Braven Health’s New Smart Card: What You’ll Get

Starting in 2023, Braven Health Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans will come with a pre-loaded Braven Health+ Smart Card, which can be used to conveniently tap into the following plan extras:

• Quarterly $70 over-the-counter allowance ($90 quarterly allowance for Braven Medicare Freedom (PPO) members). This allowance can be used to purchase over-the-counter medications and everyday health-related items, such as toothpaste and vitamins. More than 90,000 items are eligible for purchase.
• Annual $275 Flex Benefit Allowance, which can be used for health-related services such as acupuncture, transportation to a doctor or medical facility, weight-management programs, in-home support hours and more.
• Annual $200 Fitness Benefit Allowance, which can help pay for a gym membership, fitness classes, eligible gym equipment and more.
• Up to a $350 annual Healthy Rewards allowance for completing eligible screenings and training.
• Up to a $200 Eyewear Allowance every two years to use toward eyeglasses and contact lenses.
• $75 quarterly grocery allowance for eligible members with qualifying chronic conditions¹ to purchase healthy food and produce.

Source: Braven Health

^{*Based on data as of 08/01/2022. Access to every hospital is limited to PPO plans only ,with some hospitals covered through a PPO Plan’s out-of-network benefits.}

^{**The MA PPO networks are only available in portions of some states. Wyoming and Alaska do not participate.}

^{1 The benefits mentioned are a part of special supplemental program for the chronically ill. Not all members qualify. Available to members with diabetes, cardiovascular disorders or congestive heart failure, in case management.}

^{$15 Gift Card is being provided to you with no obligation to enroll with Braven Health. Every year, Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. The Braven Health+ Smart Card Mastercard® Prepaid Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A. Member FDIC, pursuant to a license by Mastercard International. Stride Bank is an independent company offering debit card services and is solely responsible for its products. Other providers are available in the network. Braven Health has a Medicare contract to offer HMO and PPO Medicare Advantage and Medicare Advantage with Prescription Drug plans, including group Medicare Advantage and group Medicare Advantage with Prescription Drug plans. Enrollment in Braven Health’s products depends on contract renewal. Products are provided by Braven Health, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association.}

^{The Blue Cross® and Blue Shield® names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The Braven HealthSM name and symbols are service marks of Braven Health. ©2022 Braven Health. Three Penn Plaza East, Newark, N.J. 07105. | Braven Health complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate against nor does it exclude people or treat them differently on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation or health status in the administration of the plan, including enrollment and benefit determinations.}

Spanish (Español): Para ayuda en español, llame al 1-833-272-8360 (TTY 711).
Chinese (中文)：如需中文協助，請致電 1-833-272-8360 (TTY 711).

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