Middle Country retirees briefed on district‑sponsored Anthem Medicare Advantage plan; enrollment effective May 1

Jim Donovan, assistant superintendent for human resources for Middle Country Central School District, opened a retiree education meeting to introduce a new district‑sponsored Medicare Advantage plan and the vendors administering it.

Kim Parker, who said she works in Anthem’s group retiree solutions for Medicare Advantage, told attendees the plan combines Medicare Part A and Part B, NYSHIP secondary coverage and prescription benefits into a single group Medicare Advantage plan administered by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. "This is a group sponsored Advantage Plan," Parker said, adding that it is not an individually marketed plan and includes extra benefits beyond traditional Medicare.

Anthem representatives said core cost sharing under the district plan includes a $0 medical deductible, $25 copay for primary‑care and specialist visits, inpatient hospital stays covered at 100% and a $3,650 annual maximum out‑of‑pocket for medical services. Additional benefits listed by Anthem include a routine hearing exam and a hearing‑aid allowance (up to $1,500 per ear, $3,000 maximum every four years), eyeglass/contact benefit every two years, routine foot care (12 visits per year) and access to the SilverSneakers fitness program.

Pharmacy benefits were described in tiers: Anthem said generic prescriptions carry…