Medicare Beneficiaries Can Suit Up, Sweat, and Learn About Blue Shield's Medicare Advantage Plans at Local Malls and Seni...( Free Fitness Events Held in Los A...),Health

Free Fitness Events Held in Los Angeles Area Enable Medicare Beneficiaries to Choose a Medicare Plan During Annual Election Period

SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Helping to keep Medicare beneficiaries healthy and active, Blue Shield of California is offering free "Fitness and Flexibility" events at Los Angeles area malls and senior centers this month. The events will offer a demonstration of one of the signature SilverSneakers exercise classes, part of Healthways' SilverSneakers(R) Fitness Program, a new benefit that Blue Shield 65 Plus and Blue Shield 65 Plus Choice Plan members in Los Angeles and Orange Counties will receive at no additional cost in 2009. Healthy refreshments, free tee shirts and water bottles will be given to participants with no obligation. Participants can also obtain information about Blue Shield's Medicare Advantage HMO plans.

The SilverSneakers classes feature stretching, resistance training, balance and aerobic exercises. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, people of all ages gain considerable health benefits from regular physical activity, and these benefits continue throughout their lives.

"These free and fun events give Medicare beneficiaries a chance to improve their health and find a Medicare plan that meets their needs," said Karen Vigil, senior vice president & chief executive, individual, small group & government business unit at Blue Shield of California. "We offer plans with no monthly premium, deductible, or doctor visit copay, and Blue Shield's large network of doctors and great benefits help Medicare beneficiaries get more out of a Medicare Advantage HMO plan."

November 15 to December 31 is the Annual Election Period (AEP) when Medicare beneficiaries may enroll in the Medicare Advantage plan of their choice for a January 1, 2009 effective date. For those beneficiaries who chose a plan during the AEP, they can also switch to a like plan during the Open Enrollment
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