Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is one of America’s largest healthcare providers, offering a wide selection of Medicare supplement insurance plans, also known as “Medigap.”
These policies come in a range of ten options, Plans A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M & N. Choosing the right one for your healthcare requirements requires in-depth due diligence on your part.
You need to understand each policy’s benefits, coverage, and premiums and how they apply to your unique healthcare situation.
BCBS is a more popular Medigap plan provider because it serves most states, offering a comprehensive range of Medigap plans at affordable rates.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans offer you a way to cope with the 20% of medical expenses that Original Medicare Parts A & B don’t cover.
With a supplemental insurance policy from BCBS, you don’t have to worry about out-of-pocket hospitalization and medical care costs.
This post unpacks the offering from BCBS. We’ll analyze the policies they offer, the benefits and coverage of each plan, and the premiums you’ll pay to remain a member of the scheme.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans at a Glance
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers Medigap plans in all 50 states, including Puerto Rico and Washington D.C. Its policy pricing varies by state and between the member companies under the BCBS umbrella. Plan extras and benefits can vary between providers.
BCBS offers high-deductible versions of Plan F & G, with the Plan G “Plus” policy giving you access to additional benefits like vision, dental, and hearing, but for an additional fee. BCBS Plan G plus will be a very popular Medicare Supplement plan for 2024.
The HD version of Plan G and the “Plus” program isn’t available in all states.
The “Blue to Blue” program gives policyholders the flexibility of changing their plans in the future without incurring any additional premium costs. Some plans are more expensive than competitors in some areas, with Plan A and N being around 50% more expensive than competitor pricing in most states.
Who Is Blue Cross Blue Shield?
BCBS is a collection of 34 independent companies operating under the BCBS banner. The collective holds 43% of the healthcare market in the United States, and the service area of companies under the BCBS umbrella varies.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association licenses independent companies, and you can find your local provider on the company’s official website. Blue Cross Blue Shield also offers Medigap plans in states like Massachusetts, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, which other companies won’t, due to the independent rules set on Medigap policies in these states.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans – Benefits & Coverage
Blue Cross Blue Shield companies offer a selection of Medigap policies, with most plans available in all states. However, not all 34 providers have a comprehensive offering, so you might find some states are underserved in the policy offering compared to others.
Here’s a breakdown of the policies offered by BCBS companies.
- Medigap Plan A
- Medigap Plan B
- Medigap Plan C*
- Medigap Plan D
- Medigap Plan F* – Standard and High Deductible versions.**
- Medigap Plan G – Standard and High Deductible versions.**
- Medigap Plan K
- Medigap Plan L
- Medigap Plan M
- Medigap Plan N
*Medigap Plans C & F were discontinued on January 1, 2020. However, if you’re eligible for Medigap before this date, you can apply for Plan C or F with BCBS partner companies offering it in your area.
**The high-deductible Plan F & G increases the annual Part A deductible from $1,600 to $2,700.
All Medigap plans offer policyholders the following Part A & B benefits.
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs up to an extra 365 days after Medicare benefits are used up.
- Part A hospice care copayment or coinsurance.
- Part B coinsurance or copayment.
- Blood transfusion (first three pints).
Plan F, G, and N Offer these additional benefits for Medicare Parts A & B
- Part A deductible.
- Part B excess charges (Plan N doesn’t offer this coverage).
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance.
- 80% of emergency health care services costs incurred during the first 60 days of travel outside the US ($250 deductible and $50,000 max lifetime limit apply).
What Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans Don’t Cover
Only Plans C & F cover the Part B deductible. However, as mentioned, this plan is no longer available unless you are eligible for Medicare before the cut-off date. Plan N doesn’t cover excess charges; you’ll need to make copayments at the doctor’s office and the emergency room.
All Medigap plans don’t cover preventative care services, including the following medical expenses.
- Prescription medications.
- Non-skilled long-term care in nursing homes.
- Private nursing services.
- Dental, hearing, and vision care. (However, the Plan G “Plus” option allows you to cover these costs for an additional monthly fee on top of your premium costs.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans – Premiums
Medigap premiums vary between providers. The companies use your age, smoking status, and gender to determine your premium pricing. Here’s what you can expect to pay on average for premiums in Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Dallas.
*Prices based on a 65-year-old nonsmoking woman.
Plan A
- Los Angeles: $125.
- Atlanta: $111.
- Dallas: $228.
Plan G
- Los Angeles: $146.
- Atlanta: $139.
- Dallas: $121.49.
Plan N
- Atlanta: $148.
- Los Angeles: $143.
- Dallas: $98.86.
Vision & Dental Packages
As mentioned, some companies under the BCBS umbrella offer the “Plan G Plus package. This additional facility can cover the costs of hearing, vision, and dental services for a monthly fee. Other companies may offer additional packages for these services. For example, the “Anthem Extras” package costs between $18 and $46 per month in Atlanta, depending on the level of coverage provided.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans – Additional Benefits
Blue Cros Blue Shield offers different discounts, depending on the provider you use for your Medigap policy. You can get the following perks from many providers in the network.
- Blue to Blue for plan changes.
- SilverSneakers for discounted gym memberships.
- Discounts for prescriptions, OTC health and wellness products, eyewear, or hearing aids.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans – Third-Party Ratings & Reviews
BCBS companies have an average rating of “A” to “A+” with the Better Business Bureau, a 3 rating with the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), a 4 rating with Consumer Affairs, and a BBB+ to A + rating with AM Best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to enroll in Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans?
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans are available to individuals who are already enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B. Eligibility requirements include being 65 years or older or having certain disabilities.
When can I enroll in Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans?
You can enroll in Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts when you are 65 years old and enrolled in Medicare Part B. This period lasts for six months and guarantees access to any Medigap plan without medical underwriting.
What are the best Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare supplement plans available?
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers various Medicare supplement plans, including Plan F, Plan G, and Plan N. These plans provide comprehensive coverage and are highly regarded by Medicare beneficiaries.
How does Blue Cross Blue Shield differ from other Medicare supplement plan providers?
Blue Cross Blue Shield is a well-known and reputable health insurance provider with a wide network of healthcare professionals. Their Medicare supplement plans offer comprehensive coverage and access to a large network of doctors, specialists, and hospitals.
What types of coverage are included in Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans?
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans typically cover costs such as Medicare Part A and Part B coinsurance, deductibles, skilled nursing facility care coinsurance, and more. The specific coverage can vary based on the plan you select.
Can I use any healthcare provider with Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans?
Yes, Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans allow you to choose any doctor or specialist who accepts Medicare. With their extensive network, you have the flexibility to receive care from a wide range of healthcare providers.
Can I switch from another Medicare Supplement Plan to Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans?
Yes, you can switch from another Medicare Supplement Plan to Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans. However, eligibility and underwriting rules may apply depending on the timing and circumstances of the switch. It’s advisable to review the guidelines and consult with a licensed insurance agent.
Are prescription drugs covered under Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans?
No, prescription drug coverage is not included in Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans. To obtain coverage for prescription drugs, you would need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
What are the benefits of having a Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan?
Having a Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plan provides additional coverage to help pay for healthcare costs not covered by Original Medicare. Benefits include reduced out-of-pocket expenses, access to a large network of healthcare providers, and potential additional benefits and resources offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Where can I find more information about Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans?
For more information about Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans, you can visit the official Blue Cross Blue Shield website, contact their customer service directly, or consult with licensed insurance agents who specialize in Medicare coverage.
Get Free Advice and Quotes on Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans
Our fully licensed Medigap agents offer a free consultation and quote on Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans. Call us at 1-888-891-0229, and we’ll discuss your healthcare requirements. Or leave your details on our contact form, and we’ll get a Medigap professional to call you back.
Updated June 9th, 2023