Navigating Medicare supplement insurance can be complex, but Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Medigap plans offer valuable coverage options to help fill the gaps in Original Medicare. As one of the largest and most trusted insurance providers in the United States, BCBS provides various Medigap plans designed to meet different healthcare needs and budgets.
This comprehensive guide will help you understand the different BCBS Medigap plans available, their coverage options, eligibility requirements, and costs, enabling you to make an informed decision about your healthcare coverage.
Available Blue Cross Blue Shield Medigap Plans
BCBS offers several standardized Medigap plans, each identified by letters (A, B, D, G, K, L, M, and N). Each plan provides different levels of coverage and benefits, though the benefits within each letter plan are standardized across all insurance companies.
Most Popular BCBS Medigap Plans
While BCBS offers multiple Medigap plans, Plans G and N have become increasingly popular choices for beneficiaries. Plan G offers comprehensive coverage, covering most out-of-pocket costs except the Medicare Part B deductible. Plan N provides similar coverage to Plan G but with slightly lower premiums in exchange for some cost-sharing.
Coverage and Benefits
BCBS Medigap plans help cover various out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare, including:
- Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
- Medicare Part B coinsurance or copayments
- Blood (first 3 pints)
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayments
- Skilled nursing facility care coinsurance
- Medicare Part A deductible (on most plans)
- Foreign travel emergency care (on select plans)
Eligibility and Enrollment
To be eligible for a BCBS Medigap plan, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. The best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which begins the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B, lasting for 6 months.
During this period, insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health status. After this period, you may face medical underwriting and potentially higher premiums or denial of coverage.
Cost Considerations
The cost of BCBS Medigap plans varies based on several factors:
- Your location
- The specific plan you choose
- Your age
- Whether you qualify for any discounts
- The pricing method used (community-rated, issue-age-rated, or attained-age-rated)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What Medigap plans does Blue Cross Blue Shield offer and how do they differ in coverage?
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers Medigap Plans A, B, D, G, K, L, M, and N. Each plan provides different levels of coverage, with Plan G offering the most comprehensive coverage for new enrollees. Plans differ in how they cover deductibles, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs.
- How do I know which Blue Cross Blue Shield Medigap plans are available in my area?
To find available BCBS Medigap plans in your area, visit the BCBS website and enter your zip code, or contact your local BCBS office directly. You can also use Medicare.gov's plan finder tool to compare available plans in your region.
- Who is eligible to enroll in Blue Cross Blue Shield Medigap plans and can I still get Plans F or C after 2020?
Anyone enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B is eligible for BCBS Medigap plans. Plans F and C are no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries who became eligible after January 1, 2020. However, if you were eligible for Medicare before this date, you may still be able to enroll in these plans.
- What out-of-pocket costs are covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield Medigap plans, and do they include prescription drugs?
BCBS Medigap plans cover various out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, depending on the plan selected. However, they do not include prescription drug coverage. For prescription coverage, you'll need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan.
- How much do Blue Cross Blue Shield Medigap plans typically cost and are there discounts or special benefits available?
BCBS Medigap plan costs vary by location, plan type, and individual factors. Monthly premiums can range from around $100 to over $300. Many BCBS affiliates offer discounts for various situations, such as household discounts when multiple family members enroll, automatic payment discounts, or discounts for non-smokers.
