What is Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare?
Blue Cross Blue Shield is an association of 35 different health insurance companies which operate at the State level. Blue Cross Blue Shield Association companies may use different names in each State, such as Anthem, Horizon, Regence, Empire, Highmark, Premera, and CareFirst.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare offers Medicare Advantage and Part D Prescription Drug coverage. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for individuals who are 65 years of age or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). There are two main parts to Medicare: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance). Medicare beneficiaries also have the option to enroll in Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) plans.
BlueCross BlueShield offers Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C, which are alternatives to Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are required to offer the same coverage as Original Medicare (Parts A and B) but often include additional benefits such as routine dental, vision, and hearing coverage, as well as health and wellness programs. Some Medicare Advantage plans may also offer prescription drug coverage, and beneficiaries may be able to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes all of these benefits in one package.
In addition to Medicare Advantage plans, BlueCross BlueShield also offers Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap. Medicare Supplement plans are designed to help cover the out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. These plans are standardized, meaning that each Medigap plan must offer the same benefits, regardless of which insurance company offers it.
What Does Blue Cross Have Different Companies in Each State?
BlueCross BlueShield has different companies in each state because the healthcare market and regulations vary from state to state. Each BlueCross BlueShield company is independent and operates as a separate legal entity, so they can respond to the specific needs and regulations of the state in which they are located.
This structure allows BlueCross BlueShield to adapt to the local market conditions, including provider networks, state regulations, and consumer needs. By operating independently in each state, BlueCross BlueShield companies can tailor their products and services to best meet the needs of their customers, while still being part of a larger national organization that provides shared resources and support.
Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Offer Medicare-Medicaid Dual Eligible D-SNP Plans?
Yes, some BlueCross BlueShield companies offer Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP) for Medicare beneficiaries who are also eligible for Medicaid. D-SNP plans are Medicare Advantage plans that are specifically designed for beneficiaries who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. These plans integrate the benefits and services of both programs and provide extra support for beneficiaries with complex health needs.
It is recommended to check with the specific BlueCross BlueShield company in the state to see if they offer D-SNP plans and what the available options are. Beneficiaries should also compare D-SNP plans from different providers to determine which plan best meets their needs and covers the benefits and services they require.
How Much is Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare?
The cost of Medicare BlueCross BlueShield plans will vary depending on several factors, including the type of plan, the coverage options selected, the state in which the beneficiary lives, and the beneficiary's specific needs.
For Medicare Advantage plans, the monthly premium and out-of-pocket costs will vary based on the plan chosen and the specific coverage options. Some Medicare Advantage plans may have low or no premiums, while others may have higher premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs.
For Medicare Supplement plans, the monthly premium will vary based on the plan chosen, the state in which the beneficiary lives, and the insurance company offering the plan. Premiums for Medicare Supplement plans can vary significantly, so it is important to compare plans from different providers to find the one that best meets the beneficiary's needs and budget.
Can Licensed Insurance Agents Help Enroll in Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Health Plans?
Yes, a licensed insurance agent can assist with enrolling in a BlueCross BlueShield Medicare plan. Insurance agents are authorized by insurance companies to assist beneficiaries with enrolling in Medicare plans, answering questions about coverage options, and providing information about plan benefits and costs.
Working with a licensed insurance agent can be helpful in understanding the different Medicare coverage options and choosing a plan that best meets the beneficiary's needs. The agent can also assist with enrolling in the chosen plan and answer any questions that may arise during the enrollment process.
It is important to note that not all insurance agents are authorized to sell all types of Medicare plans and some may only be able to sell plans from specific insurance companies. It is recommended to check with the insurance agent to see if they are authorized to assist with enrolling in BlueCross BlueShield Medicare plans and what their specific qualifications are.
Additional Resources
Learn More About BlueCross BlueShield Medicare
Last updated: January 31, 2023