Not sure what type of Medicare plan is best for you? To make an informed decision, it helps to understand the different types of plans available. These are the types of plans you can enroll in through the Blues.
Medicare Advantage plans
Medicare Advantage plans roll all your medical benefits into one plan. Private companies contract with Medicare to provide these plans. They cover everything included in Original Medicare and may also include extra health care services. The company you choose provides all of your health care benefits and you present only your plan ID card when you need care. Companies contract with Medicare to offer different types of Medicare Advantage plans. Your Blues options include:
HMOs, or health maintenance organizations, let you select a primary care physician from their provider network to manage your care. Should you need to see a specialist or hospital care, your primary care physician refers you for this care. You are usually not covered for care you seek on your own. Blue Care Network offers a Medicare Advantage HMO called BCN Advantage HMO-POSSM, with four plan options.
PPOs, or preferred provider organizations, also contract with physicians to build a network. However, you can visit any doctor who accepts Medicare, without a referral. You will usually pay more if you see a doctor who is not in the plan's network, with the exception of emergency or urgent care. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan offers a Medicare Advantage PPO called Medicare Plus Blue PPOSM, with three plan options.
Medicare supplemental plans
Medigap plans, also called supplemental plans, have been around for a long time. With a Medigap plan, you continue to be covered by Original Medicare. Your Medigap policy pays for copayments, deductibles and other benefits not covered by Original Medicare. The government establishes standard benefit plans that are offered by private companies, such as the Blues. When you seek care, you present both your Medicare card and the ID card for the Medigap coverage you've purchased. Learn more about MyBlue MedigapSM.
Prescription drug plans
Whether you select a Medigap plan or Medicare Advantage plan, it's important that you also get prescription drug coverage. If you don't get this coverage when you first become eligible, you'll pay more if you decide to enroll at a later date.
Private companies contract with Medicare to provide Medicare Part D coverage. Most Medicare Advantage plans build this coverage into their benefits so you pay one combined premium and get your medical care and prescription coverage together.
If you purchase a Medigap plan, you will also need to purchase a prescription drug plan and will have a separate ID card for your prescription drugs. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan offers simple and affordable prescription drug coverage with Prescription Blue PDPSM.
For more information, visit About Prescription Drug Plans or Prescription Blue PDPSM, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan's Part D prescription drug plan.
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Call 1-877-469-2583 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. TTY users should call 1-800-481-8704.
Current members
Call the Member Services number on the back of your ID card.
Prospective members
Call 1-877-469-2583 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. TTY users should call 1-800-481-8704.
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