Should I combine my Medicare Part B and service benefit plans?
If you decide to combine your coverage, you’ll pay your Service Benefit Plan premiums in addition to Medicare Part B premiums. Even though you pay both of these amounts, your total out-of-pocket costs for healthcare services may still be lower than the amount you pay annually in premiums.
Are you eligible for a Medicare Part B reimbursement under FEHB?
Current or retired federal employees under FEHB can get reimbursements for Medicare Part B premiums in some instances. Who among us couldn’t use a little extra cash? If you’re a federal employee or retiree, you could be eligible for an extra $800 in your pocket this year, and there really are no strings attached.
How much does BCBS reimburse for Medicare Part B?
If you have the BCBS Basic plan through the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program, BCBS will reimburse you up to $800 for your Medicare Part B premiums. An eligible spouse can also receive this reimbursement, so a couple could enjoy a mini-windfall of $1,600. The best part is that ths reimbursement is yours to do with as you please.
When do you have to sign up for Medicare Part B?
Once you retire, you’ll have eight months to enroll in Part B before the penalty kicks in. General Enrollment Period If you don’t sign up when you’re first eligible, you’ll usually have to wait until the General Enrollment Period to sign up for Medicare.
Can federal employees have both FEHB and Medicare?
The answer: yes! FEHB coverage is comparable to Medicare coverage. Therefore, beneficiaries in the federal program may delay joining a Part D plan; likewise, they're exempt from any Part D late enrollment penalties.
How Medicare works with FEHB plans?
Since you are retired but covered under your working spouse's policy, your spouse's policy is your primary coverage. Medicare will pay secondary benefits and your FEHB plan will pay third.
Does Fepblue pay Medicare deductible?
Is combining our coverage with Medicare right for you? Even though you pay a premium for Part B and your Service Benefit Plan coverage, when you combine, we wipe out all your other out-of-pocket costs (deductibles, copays and coinsurance) for covered medical services.
Is Medicare primary over FEP?
Get the most out of your Service Benefit Plan coverage with Medicare. When you're an active federal employee, the Service Benefit Plan is typically your primary coverage, which means we pay for your healthcare services first.
Do I need both FEHB and Medicare?
Answer #1 —You don't need both. However, to quote OPM “generally, plans under the FEHB program help pay for the same kinds of expenses as Medicare.” In many cases FEHB proves to be more comprehensive, often including emergency care outside the U.S., as well as dental and vision, which Medicare does not cover.
What happens to my FEHB when I turn 65?
Your FEHB coverage will continue whether or not you enroll in Medicare. If you can get premium-free Part A coverage, we advise you to enroll in it. Most Federal employees and annuitants are entitled to Medicare Part A at age 65 without cost.
Do most federal retirees take Medicare Part B?
About 70% of federal retirees enroll in Part B, which means paying two premiums and in essence two duplicative insurance programs. A portion of the retirees that join Part B might do so as a hedge against the elimination of FEHB retiree benefits.
How do I get my $800 back from Medicare?
All you have to do is provide proof that you pay Medicare Part B premiums. Each eligible active or retired member on a contract with Medicare Part A and Part B, including covered spouses, can get their own $800 reimbursement.
What is Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare reimbursement account?
Medicare Reimbursement Account (MRA) Basic Option members who pay Medicare Part B premiums can be reimbursed up to $800 each year! You must submit proof of Medicare Part B premium payments through the online portal, EZ Receipts app or by fax or mail.
Is Medicare Advantage better than FEHB?
Most MA plans are comparable to FEHB plans in hospital and medical benefits, but the prescription drug benefits will not be as good as in the FEHB program because the plans have a “coverage gap” where you are responsible for all or most drug costs until you reach a catastrophic limit.
Do federal retirees need Medicare Part B FEHB?
Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) plans continue paying primary for retirees who do not enroll in Medicare Part B. FEHB is only secondary if you enroll in Part B. Whether to enroll in Part B or use FEHB as primary coverage is a personal decision, based on your individual circumstances.
Is Medicare cheaper than FEHB?
Although FEHB coverage can be more generous overall than Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare, having additional coverage may not be helpful if you can't afford its premiums. If you qualify for the Medicare Savings Program (MSP) or Medicaid, you may find your healthcare costs are lower overall if you don't use FEHB.
What happens when you retire with Medicare?
When you retire and have Medicare, it typically becomes your primary coverage and they pay first. If you decide to combine your Medicare and Service Benefit Plan coverage, we’ll pay for covered services not covered by Medicare. When you receive care, you should show your providers both your Service Benefit Plan member ID card ...
What is the service benefit plan?
When you’re an active federal employee, the Service Benefit Plan is typically your primary coverage, which means we pay for your healthcare services first.
Does Medicare pay for its own network?
Medicare has its own network of Participating providers who accept Medicare’s assignment or payment. When you visit a provider (regardless of if they accept Medicare’s assignment), we’ll pay the difference between what Medicare pays and what you owe the provider.*.
Does Medicare cover foot care?
Routine Foot Care. If you have a long-term condition such as diabetes, your Service Benefit Plan coverage will cover necessary routine foot care, and when combined with Medicare coverage, you’ll pay nothing out-of-pocket for these treatments. If you have a long-term condition such as diabetes, your Service Benefit Plan coverage will cover necessary ...
Does Medicare Part A and Part B cover prescription drugs?
Medicare Part A and Part B don’t include prescription drug coverage, but your Service Benefit Plan coverage does. The prescription drugs covered in each tier vary by plan. Check our approved formularies to see what’s covered. This is a summary of the features of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan.
What is a Medigap plan?
Medigap (Medicare Supplement) is an option for those with Original Medicare. It covers the out-of-pocket costs for the health expenses not typically covered by Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare). Individuals enrolled in Medicare Advantage do not need to purchase a Medigap plan.
Does Medicare Advantage cover emergency services?
On the other hand, Medicare Advantage plans typically have a network but will cover urgent and emergency services anywhere in the country. FAQ Item Question. Limited Coverage. FAQ Item Answer.
Why combine Medicare Part A and B?
Another reason to combine your coverage is to get access to benefits not covered by Medicare.
How to contact Medicare for service benefits?
or call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY: 1-877-486-2048) . << Previous Next >>. 3. Combining your Service Benefit Plan coverage with Medicare is a choice. Here are some things to know that can help you decide: Keep your future healthcare needs in mind before making a decision.
What is Medicare for people over 65?
GET TO KNOW MEDICARE. Medicare is a health insurance program provided by the federal government, available to people: • 65 and older • Under 65 with certain disabilities • With permanent kidney failure who need dialysis treatment or a transplant (End-Stage Renal Disease) .
What is Blue365 discount?
Through the program, you can get discounts on different products and services that can help you live a healthy lifestyle, such as diet and exercise plans, gym shoes and athletic apparel, hearing aids and more. View all the current available deals at
What is Blue365 for Blue Cross?
Blue365 is a discount program exclusively for Blue Cross and Blue Shield members. Through the program, you can get discounts on different products and services that can help you live a healthy lifestyle, such as diet and exercise plans, gym shoes and athletic apparel, hearing aids and more.
What is the penalty for late enrollment in Medicare?
The penalty is a 10% premium increase for each year you choose to delay your enrollment.
How much is the penalty for delay in Medicare?
The penalty is a 10% premium increase for each year you choose to delay your enrollment. So, if you decide to enroll five years after you’re first eligible, your premium would be 50% higher than it would be if you had taken Medicare initially. There is an exception to this.
What is a copayment in Medicare?
Copays. A copayment may apply to specific services, such as doctor office visits. Coinsurance. Cost sharing amounts may apply to specific services. Out-of-Pocket Expenses. All Medicare Advantage plans have an annual limit on your out-of-pocket expenses, which is a feature not available through Original Medicare.
What is the initial enrollment period for Medicare?
The Initial Enrollment Period is a limited window of time when you can enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and/or Part B) when you are first eligible. After you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, you can select other coverage options like a Medicare Advantage plan from approved private insurers.
How to change Medicare plan?
The Medicare Open Enrollment Period provides an annual opportunity to review, and if necessary, change your Medicare coverage options. Coverage becomes effective on January 1. During Open Enrollment, some examples of changes that you can make include: 1 Join a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan. 2 Discontinue your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). 3 Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another. 4 Add or Change your Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D) plan if you are in Original Medicare.
Does Medicare Advantage have copayments?
Medicare Advantage plans may have copayments or cost sharing amounts on Medicare covered services that differ from the cost sharing amounts in Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans may change their monthly premiums and benefits each year. This also occurs in Original Medicare, as Part B premiums, standard deductibles ...
Does Medicare Advantage have geographic service areas?
Limits. Medicare Advantage plans have defined geographic service areas and most have networks of physicians and hospitals where you can receive care. Ask your physicians if they participate in your health insurance plan’s Medicare Advantage network.
Do you have to enroll in Medicare before joining a Medicare Advantage plan?
You must first enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B before joining a Medicare Advantage plan. Contact your local Blue Cross Blue Shield company for help choosing a Medicare Advantage plan and getting enrolled.
When is the deadline to apply for Medicare Part B?
A copy of your bank statement. You will also need to submit your Medicare Part B premium bill that matches the amount you paid. The deadline to apply is December 31 of the following benefit year.
What is Medicare Part B?
You pay for Medicare Part B. This is additional coverage beyond the Medicare Part A that Americans over age 65 automatically receive. Note that your spouse is also eligible for their own reimbursement of up to $800 if they also meet these requirements.
Who is eligible for the $800?
Who Is Eligible for the Reimbursement? To be eligible for the $800, you need to meet the following requirements: You are a current or retired federal employee. You have the BCBS Basic Option for health insurance. Standard Option and FEP Blue Focus members are not eligible. You pay for Medicare Part B.
