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The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a federation of local health insurance companies operating across the United States. Some of these are publicly traded companies, while others are private or non-profit organizations. Various regions have one or more association member companies operating locally, and member companies provide some form of health insurance in every state. Member companies of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association often provide Medicare health plans that give you more freedom in deciding how to receive your Medicare benefits.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Freedom Blue PPO plans offer extensive coverage at an exceptionally low monthly premium. In the case of Freedom Blue 1, the monthly premium is zero dollars (of course, you still will need to pay normal Medicare Part B premium). The Freedom Blue 2 plan offers additional help with out-of-network care, as well as a lower annual deductible.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicare plans focus on preventive care and providing information to help members stay healthy. Many of the Medicare Advantage plans are HMO and PPO plans, which facilitate coverage through a regional network of high quality doctors and hospitals. In some areas you may be able to join Private Fee-for-Service Plans that allow you to receive services from any doctor that will accept the plan's payment. Or, you may be able to buy a Medical Savings Account, which puts you in control of how Medicare funds are used to pay for your medical expenses.
For those on the Original Medicare Plan, Medigap policies are available in some areas to help you meet the costs of your healthcare. Blue Cross Medicare Part D prescription drug plans may also be available to help you pay for your prescriptions.
* You may be able to get extra help to pay for your prescription drug premiums and costs. To see if you qualify for getting extra help, call:
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY/TDD users should call 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day/7 days a week;
The Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY/TDD users should call, 1-800-325-0778; or Your State Medicaid Office
Dental or vision options can be added to your
coverage.
Living longer means paying more for health care.
A woman who retires at 65 can expect to maintain her health until the age of 84, on average.2
Men who expect high health costs after they turn 65 end up retiring – on average – 13 months later than those who don't.3