October 09, 2025
October is a significant month in the health care industry, as it marks both National Health Care Quality Week and Patient-Centered Care Awareness Month. As we recognize the importance of quality care and patient-centered care, we must acknowledge the critical role health insurance companies play in improving health care outcomes.
At Florida Blue Medicare, we're committed to supporting our members' health and well-being through a range of initiatives and programs. Medicare Star ratings — which measure the quality of care members get through their Medicare plans — were recently released, and I am pleased to share two of our Medicare plans improved their Star ratings, while the third held steady. Our Medicare HMO plan received 4 Stars, our Prescription Drug Plan improved a whole Star to receive 3.5 Stars, and our Medicare PPO plan earned 3.5 Stars.
Here are some of the important ways insurers work to improve health care outcomes for their members.
The importance of preventive care
Preventive care is a crucial aspect of maintaining good health, and it's essential that health insurance companies cover these services. At Florida Blue Medicare, we offer $0 screenings for services like breast and colon cancer screening, as well as vaccinations for flu and pneumonia. We also work with vendors to offer in-home screenings, making it easier for our members to get the care they need. By working to improve the preventive care our members receive and steer them toward these services, we can help them identify health problems early on and prevent complications from chronic conditions.
Building trusted high-quality provider networks
Having access to high-quality providers is essential for receiving the best possible care. We work with doctors who are experienced in treating chronic conditions and who best meet the needs of older adults and the Medicare population. Our network of trusted providers ensures that our members receive the care they need, when they need it.
Beginning in 2024, Florida Blue Medicare launched a new Quality program with the support and input of physicians who are part of our Quality Council. Our goal is to drive holistic and comprehensive care across the health care continuum to create health in partnership with our network physicians.
Investing in innovative technologies
Cutting-edge technologies like telemedicine and artificial intelligence are revolutionizing the way we deliver care. We're investing in these technologies to improve access to care and make it more convenient for our members. Whether it's a virtual doctor's visit or a personalized health plan, we're committed to using technology to enhance our members' experience.
Supporting patient engagement
Empowering our members to take an active role in their health is essential for improving health care outcomes. At Florida Blue Medicare, we provide education and resources to help our members make informed decisions about their care.
Working to prevent hospital readmissions
We offer care coordination and management services to help our members navigate the health care system and prevent hospital readmissions. Our care management programs support members who have recently been discharged from the hospital, and our medication therapy management programs help members who take multiple medications. By providing these services, we can help our members avoid hospital readmissions and reduce their risk of complications.
It's clear that health insurance companies play a critical role in improving health care outcomes. At Florida Blue Medicare, we're committed to supporting our members' health and well-being through a range of initiatives and programs, so we can improve health care outcomes and enhance the lives of our members.