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, Medicare BlueSM Private Complete and Medicare BlueSM Private Complete Plus.
Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of plan:
|
|
Original Medicare |
Preferred Provider Organization
(PPO)* |
Private Fee-For-Service
(PFFS)*
|
Medicare
Supplement*
|
|
Advantages
|
It doesn’t cost much, and you can go to any doctor who accepts Medicare.
|
You can go to any doctor, but you can save money by choosing a doctor on the 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.
|
Freedom. You can go to any doctor.
|
|
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 agree to accept the terms and conditions of Medicare Blue Private.
|
The freedom you get costs more money.
|
*Members must continue to pay applicable Medicare premiums. Please note that benefits may vary.
We also offer two Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan options, MedBlueSM Rx and MedBlueSM Rx Plus. MedBlue Rx Plus provides generic drug coverage through the gap and features an enhanced formulary (list of covered drugs).
A Medicare Advantage Private-Fee-For-Service plan works differently than a Medicare Supplement plan. Your doctor or hospital is not required to accept the plan's terms and conditions, and thus may choose not to treat 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 can find the plans' terms and conditions on our Web site at www.SouthCarolinaBlues.com/pffs09/TNC.
BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina contracts with the federal government.
Last updated: 9/29/08