If you are on Medicare and looking for a plan to supplement the benefits provided by the original Medicare plan, there are several options available. The Blue Shield of California (BSCA) Plan is one option. Read on to learn about the plans offered by BSCA and the costs and coverage provided by each of them.
Plans offered by Blue Shield of California
The Blue Shield of California Medicare Plan provides its members with a range of benefits. In addition to offering a variety of coverage options, the company offers wellness programs and on-demand video classes. The company also complies with federal and state civil rights laws. This means that it does not discriminate against a member’s race, national origin, ancestry, religion, or sex.
Differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans
Original Medicare has a number of differences from Medicare Advantage Plans. While original Medicare has no out-of-pocket maximum, most Medicare Advantage plans have fixed costs for common health services. For example, a person with a $15 copay in a Medicare Advantage plan will pay $15 each time they need to visit the doctor. This can add up to thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses each year.
Costs of plans
Historically, Medicare has subsidized part D premiums. This Medicare Plan G subsidy has helped lower average part D premiums. In recent years, this subsidy has increased. As a result, more people are enrolling in zero-premium plans, making them more affordable.
Coverage provided by plans
Plan premiums can be higher than traditional Medicare, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t get a good deal. In fact, 31% of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in a premium plan. The average monthly premium is $35 for Part D, which is slightly below the $40 monthly premium for a PDP plan.
In-network providers
You should find out whether your Medicare Plan in-network providers cover the type of care you need before seeking treatment. Most Medicare plans will cover services from a wide range of hospitals and doctors. However, you should be aware that costs for out-of-network services may be higher than for services provided by in-network providers. In addition, out-of-network providers are not required to obtain a referral from a Medicare plan administrator. You should also be sure that the services you’ll receive are medically necessary before seeking treatment from them.
Copays
When choosing a Medicare plan, make sure to know how much your copays will be. Medicare plans often include copays for certain services such as doctor’s visits and prescription drug refills. However, some Medicare plans will not have copays, and in these cases, you can use financial assistance programs to help you pay for the cost of those services.
