Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Supplement Plans

Have you been considering a Medicare plan with Blue Cross Blue Shield? Are you wondering what the plans cover and what they cost? In this review, we cover all the important aspects of BCBS Medicare supplement plans.

We are proud to offer Blue Cross and Blue Shield as one of our Medicare Supplement insurance providers. If you would like to obtain a free quote, or if you have any questions regarding these plans, please contact us directly at (800) 208-4974 for more details. You can also view online rates instantly here. 

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the article:

A Medicare Supplement (aka Medigap) insurance plan can help you to reduce your out-of-pocket Medicare expenses, such as copayments, deductibles and/or coinsurance that is typically charged through Medicare Parts A and B. Because there are many different Medigap plans, though, it is important to determine which one will best fit your specific coverage needs.

It is also recommended that you are familiar with the underlying insurance company that you purchase a Medicare Supplement insurance policy through – particularly as it pertains to the plan(s) that the company offers, and whether or not the insurer has a history of rate increases.

One top-rated provider that offers Medicare Supplement insurance is Blue Cross Blue Shield. Although Medicare Supplement coverage is offered in all 50 states, the options that are available – as well as the premium price – can vary from one area to another. That’s why it helps to compare your plan options and prices before you lock into a policy.

Company Background

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) was initially established in 1929, and it is now considered to be one of the nation’s top health care coverage providers. Today, they cover in excess of 106 million people across the United States and has contracts with more than 96% of the nation’s hospitals.

In addition, more than 93% of the doctors in the U.S. belong to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association network.

BCBS vs. Anthem

BCBS is considered an “umbrella” company for a number of other health insurance carriers in the U.S., such as Anthem. In fact, in some areas, BCBS and Anthem are competing carriers, offering different plans, premium pricing, and health care provider networks.

The Medicare Supplement insurance plans that are offered via BCBS provide an affordable method of covering what would otherwise be out-of-pocket Medicare costs for enrollees. In addition to offering Medicare Supplement coverage, Blue Shield also provides Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) coverage.

Blue Shield is considered to be financially stable, and as such, it has a rating of “A” with A.M. Best.

Medigap Plans Offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield

BCBS offers Plans F, G, and N in most areas. 

If you purchase an insurance policy insured by them you will have access to the following benefits:

• 30-day “free look” period – Once you have received your Medigap policy, you will have 30 days to review the coverage and if for any reason, you do not wish to keep the policy, you can return it for a full refund.

• Gym benefit (in some states) – You may have a SilverSneakers membership (depending on your state of residence). This allows you free gym access to a number of fitness locations, as well as exercise classes – all geared towards keeping seniors fit and active.

• Household discount on the premium (if applicable) – If you and someone that you live with both have a policy, you could be eligible for a discount on your premium. Typically, this discount is 5%.

• Portable coverage – You will be able to use your plan anywhere in the country that accepts Medicare, regardless of the state you are in.

• Provider options – You have the flexibility to see any doctor who accepts Medicare as payment. This allows you to continue seeing your current provider(s), as well as to seek other medical professionals who may be beneficial for your health care needs.

BCBS Medicare Supplement Plan F

Plan F is one of the most popular Medicare Supplement insurance coverage options that is sold through Blue Cross Blue Shield. That’s because it is the most comprehensive of all the available Medigap plans. With Plan F, you are covered for a wide array of benefits, including:

Medicare Benefits	BCBS Plan F
Medicare Part A coinsurance & hospital costs (up to 365 additional days after Medicare benefits are used up)	100%
Medicare Part B Coinsurance or copayment	100%
Blood (first 3 pints)	100%
Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment	100%
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance	100%
Medicare Part A deductible	100%
Medicare Part B deductible	100%
Medicare Part B excess charges	100%
Foreign Travel Emergency (up to $50k)	100%

It is important to note, though, that as of January 1st, 2020, Medicare Supplement Plan F will no longer be available to purchase. (However, if you currently own this plan, you may keep it, provided that you continue making the premium payments).

There also may be a Plan F high deductible option available, depending on what state you are in.

BCBS Medicare Supplement Plan G

Another highly comprehensive Medicare Supplement plan that is offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield is Plan G. In fact, the only difference between Medigap Plan G and Medigap Plan F is the non-payment of the Medicare Part B annual deductible with Plan G. Because of this, the premium for Medicare Supplement Plan G is often less than that of Plan F.

With that in mind, it can be beneficial for you to weigh the potential cost differences by comparing the Medicare Part B deductible amount (which is $257 in 2025) with the lower amount of the Medigap Plan G premium.

The items that are covered through the Medicare Supplement Plan G include the following:

Medicare Benefits	BCBS Plan G
Medicare Part A coinsurance & hospital costs (up to 365 additional days after Medicare benefits are used up)	100%
Medicare Part B Coinsurance or copayment	100%
Blood (first 3 pints)	100%
Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment	100%
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance	100%
Medicare Part A deductible	100%
Medicare Part B deductible	X
Medicare Part B excess charges	100%
Foreign Travel Emergency (up to $50k)	100%

BCBS Medicare Supplement Plan N

Another Blue Cross Blue Shield Medigap plan that provides a wide range of benefits is Plan N. With this plan, 100% of Medicare Part B’s coinsurance costs are covered – other than an office visit copayment of up to $20, and a copayment of up to $50 for emergency room visits.

The Medicare Supplement Plan N benefits include:

Medicare Benefits	BCBS Plan N
Medicare Part A coinsurance & hospital costs (up to 365 additional days after Medicare benefits are used up)	100%
Medicare Part B Coinsurance or copayment	$0-$20 Office Copay
Blood (first 3 pints)	100%
Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment	100%
Skilled nursing facility coinsurance	100%
Medicare Part A deductible	100%
Medicare Part B deductible	X
Medicare Part B excess charges	X
Foreign Travel Emergency (up to $50k)	100%

Plan N may be a good choice for you if you are looking for the freedom to choose your health care provider(s), along with a lower premium than other comprehensive Medigap plan options like Plans F and G.

BCBS Medicare Supplement Rates

While the coverage that is offered on all Medicare Supplement insurance plans of the same letter is the same, regardless of which insurer is offering them, the premium can differ – sometimes significantly – from one insurance carrier to another.

For that reason, it is always recommended that you obtain quotes from at least two or three carriers before making a commitment to purchase a plan.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicare Advantage Plans

While Original Medicare – Medicare Part A and Part B – can certainly provide a long list of benefits, in some cases it may make sense to go with an alternate method of obtaining Medicare coverage.

You could do so by opting to purchase a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage – which is also known as Medicare Part C – offers the same coverage that you will find in Original Medicare. However, there may also be some additional benefits that are available, too.

Yet, even though Medicare Advantage may provide a lower premium alternative than going with Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement coverage, Medicare Part C can often be more restrictive in terms of its coverage.

One reason for this is because most Medicare Advantage plans are set up as HMOs or PPOs and will require you to use providers that are listed in a network. You may also need a referral from your doctor before you can see a specialist.

At Bluewave Insurance, we offer both Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans. So, if you are interested in finding out whether or not your doctor is included in one of the available Medicare Advantage plans – or if you have any additional questions – just give us a call at (800) 208-4974 and we’ll be happy to help.

Explore Your Medicare Options

We’ve helped thousands of people choose the right Medicare coverage for them and their specific coverage requirements. We can help you review your Medicare options for all insurance companies, including BCBS.

When you enroll in a Medicare supplement through Bluewave Insurance, we will be here to help long after your coverage goes in-force. That means that if you need further assistance with filing claims or understanding what is and isn’t covered, we’ll be here for you.

So, contact us today at (800) 208-4974 to get the right Medicare coverage in place.

What To Do Next?

1. If you are looking for quotes – We can provide you with a free rate comparison for all plans and companies, call us directly at (800) 208-4974 or use our online quoting here.
2. If you have general questions related to Medicare – or questions particular to Blue Shield call us at (800) 208-4974
3. If you are not ready to speak with us –  feel free to read more about Medicare carriers here.

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