As a Medicare beneficiary, you can choose from different Medicare options. One option is the original (fee-for-service) Medicare plan. Another option is a Medicare Advantage PPO plan, like Medicare BlueSM and Medicare BlueSM Plus. You can also choose a Medicare Advantage private fee-for-service plan, like Medicare BlueSM Private. You make the choice.
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of plan.
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Original Medicare
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Preferred Provider Organization
(PPO)*
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Private Fee-For-Service
(PFFS)*
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Medicare
Supplement*
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Advantages
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It doesn’t cost much, and you can go to any doctor who accepts Medicare.
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You can go to any doctor, but you can save money by choosing a doctor on your plan’s list of participating providers. No referrals needed.
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You can save money and still get good coverage. Fixed out-of-pocket costs make it easy to budget for expenses.
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Freedom. You can go to any doctor.
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Disadvantages
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Coverage is basic, so you may need to purchase a supplement to reduce your costs for non-covered services.
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You’re paying a little more to have extra choices.
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You have to use providers who accept Medicare assignment and the terms and conditions of Medicare Blue Private.
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The freedom you get costs more money.
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*Members must continue to pay applicable Medicare premiums. Please note that all plans are not offered in all areas and benefits may vary.
We also offer two Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans options, MedBlueSM Rx and MedBlueSM Rx Plus. MedBlue Rx Plus provides generic drug coverage through the gap and features an open formulary (list of covered prescription drugs), which includes every CMS-approved medication for your peace of mind.
A Medicare Advantage Private-Fee-For-Service plan works differently than a Medicare Supplement plan. Your doctor or hospital must agree to accept the plan's terms and conditions before providing health care services to you, with the exception of emergencies. If your doctor or hospital does not agree to accept our payment terms and conditions, they may not provide health care services to you, except in emergencies. Providers may view the terms and conditions for Medicare Blue Private.
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina contracts with the federal government.
Last updated: 9/28/07