Bcbs Medicare Part D Formulary Options and Benefits

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Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Medicare Part D formulary options can be a bit overwhelming, but understanding the basics can help you make informed decisions about your prescription coverage.

BCBS offers a range of formulary options, each with its own set of benefits and limitations.

One of the key benefits of BCBS Medicare Part D formulary options is that they are designed to provide affordable coverage for a wide range of prescription medications.

BCBS Medicare Part D formulary options often include discounts on generic medications, which can save you money on your prescriptions.

By choosing a BCBS Medicare Part D formulary option, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your prescription needs are covered.

Medicare Part D Plans

You have three options to get Medicare Part D coverage: adding a stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to your Original Medicare, choosing a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan that includes both medical and prescription drug benefits, or selecting a Medicare Supplement Plan and a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.

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A Medicare Prescription Drug Plan's formulary is a list of covered drugs, including brand-name and generic options, and costs vary from plan to plan. Many plans have a tiered formulary, where drugs are grouped by cost.

Here's a breakdown of how tiered formularies work: lower tiered drugs are generally less expensive, with generic drugs often found on Tiers 1 and 2.

Medicare Coverage Options

You have several options to get Medicare Part D coverage.

You can add Part D coverage to your Original Medicare Parts A and B coverage with a stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP).

There are also Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MAPD) that include both medical and prescription drug benefits, offering convenience.

Some people choose to select both a Medicare Supplement Plan and a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan to add to their Original Medicare Parts A and B coverage.

BlueRx Enhanced Plus

BlueRx Enhanced Plus is a Medicare Part D plan that offers a range of benefits to its subscribers. It's a popular choice among seniors looking for affordable prescription coverage.

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This plan has a deductible of $395, which is lower than some other Medicare Part D plans. You'll pay this deductible before your coverage kicks in.

The BlueRx Enhanced Plus plan has a copayment of $0 for Tier 1 medications, which includes generic versions of common medications like atorvastatin and metformin. This can save you money on your prescription costs.

You'll pay a copayment of $10 for Tier 2 medications, which includes brand-name medications like lisinopril and omeprazole. This is a relatively low copayment compared to other Medicare Part D plans.

The plan also covers a wide range of medications, including those used to treat chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. This can help you manage your health and stay on top of your medication regimen.

In addition to its affordable copayments, the BlueRx Enhanced Plus plan also offers a mail-order option for prescription medications. This can save you money on shipping costs and help you stay organized.

The plan has a coverage gap, also known as the "donut hole", which starts at $4,130 in total costs. Once you reach this threshold, you'll pay 25% of the cost of your medications until you reach the catastrophic coverage level.

Understanding the Formulary

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A formulary is the list of drugs covered by a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, and it varies from plan to plan. The list of covered drugs and costs is different for each plan.

Many plans have a tiered formulary, where drugs are divided into groups called "tiers" based on their cost. The lower the formulary tier, the lower the cost to you.

Generic drugs are typically on Tiers 1 and 2, and you'll pay less for them. For example, on the BlueRx plan, Tier 1 - Preferred Generic has a copay of $0, and Tier 2 - Generic has a copay of $4.

Here's a breakdown of the costs for each tier on the BlueRx plan:

The costs for each tier can add up quickly, but there are some benefits to keep in mind. For example, once your out-of-pocket spending on prescriptions reaches $2,000, you pay nothing.

Cost Savings and Benefits

With BCBS Medicare Part D Formulary, you can enjoy the benefits of lower costs and more approved prescription drugs. You can save money on your prescriptions by taking advantage of the MPDP program, which is exclusively for Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP) members eligible for Medicare.

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The MPDP program eliminates the separate FEP premium for prescription drug coverage, making it easier to get the medications you need without breaking the bank. You can save up to $2,160 per year on specialty drugs alone, as shown in an example from the program's benefits.

Using the Prescription Drug Cost Tool, you can see how much you'll pay out-of-pocket for your prescription drugs with and without MPDP. This tool is available to eligible members who are logged in to MyBlue, and it provides personalized estimates based on your specific plan and medications.

The table below compares the pharmacy out-of-pocket maximum for each plan:

Medicare Plan Costs

Medicare Plan Costs can be a bit overwhelming, but let's break it down. You'll typically pay a deductible before your plan kicks in, which can vary depending on the plan.

There are also different types of costs associated with a Medicare Part D plan, including copays, coinsurance, and premiums. A copay is a flat dollar amount you pay each time you fill a prescription, while coinsurance is a percentage of the cost you pay.

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For example, if your copay is $10 and the prescription costs $100, you'll pay the $10 copay and Medicare will cover the remaining $90. Coinsurance, on the other hand, is a percentage of the total cost, so if your coinsurance is 10% and the prescription costs $100, you'll pay $10 and Medicare will cover the remaining $90.

Here's a summary of the different types of costs:

  • Deductible: The amount you pay before your plan kicks in.
  • Copay: A flat dollar amount you pay each time you fill a prescription.
  • Coinsurance: A percentage of the cost you pay for your prescription drugs.
  • Premium: A fixed, monthly amount you pay for your PDP coverage.

Lower Costs, Great Benefits

You can enjoy great benefits while paying lower costs with MPDP, a prescription drug benefit exclusively for Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP) members eligible for Medicare.

This program is part of your Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan coverage, so there's no separate FEP premium for your prescription drug coverage.

With MPDP, you can save money on your prescriptions, and it's easy to see how much you can save with their Prescription Drug Cost Tool.

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Here's an example of what you could save if you have FEP Blue Standard:

As you can see, with MPDP, you could save up to $1,180 per year on your prescriptions.

You can also get lower out-of-pocket costs for higher cost drugs and additional approved prescription drugs in some tiers than the traditional pharmacy benefit.

The annual pharmacy out-of-pocket maximum is $2,000 per member, which is separate from the medical out-of-pocket maximum.

If you're looking for a plan with a $0 deductible, BlueRx ENHANCED PLUS is an option that costs $129.30 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which items will Medicare Part D not cover?

Medicare Part D typically does not cover non-formulary medications, as well as certain categories of medications including those for weight management, fertility, and cosmetic purposes. This may also include non-prescription drugs and prescription vitamins and minerals.

Felicia Koss

Junior Writer

Felicia Koss is a rising star in the world of finance writing, with a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics into accessible, engaging pieces. Her articles have covered a range of topics, from retirement account loans to other financial matters that affect everyday people. With a focus on clarity and concision, Felicia's writing has helped readers make informed decisions about their financial futures.

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