
BCBS Preferred Care Blue Plans offer a range of Medicare Advantage options, including HMO and PPO plans, which provide comprehensive coverage for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
These plans often come with additional benefits, such as dental and vision coverage, as well as fitness programs and wellness incentives.
BCBS Preferred Care Blue Plans are available in many states, with varying levels of coverage and network providers.
To find the best plan for you, it's essential to review the specific benefits and limitations of each plan in your area.
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Plans
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Plans offer flexible benefit design options at a price you can afford.
With BCBS plans, you have the freedom to visit any doctor you choose.
The BCBSIL PPO network provides a wide range of benefits to give your employees the care they need.
You can explore different PPO plans to find the one that best fits your business needs and budget.
BCBS plans are designed to provide affordable healthcare options for your employees while giving them the flexibility to choose their own doctors.
Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage Plans are a type of plan offered by BCBS, and they come with different types of coverage.
You can choose from various plan types, which affect whether you can visit out-of-network doctors or claim for drug costs.
The cost of Medicare Advantage plans varies greatly depending on the company, coverage level, and plan type. Every person with Medicare Advantage will need to pay the $174.70 Part B premium along with the Medicare Advantage premium from BCBS.
Some providers offer plans with a $0 Medicare Advantage premium, but the copayments or coinsurance amounts may be different than those in Original Medicare.
You can find plans with a $0 premium, but it's essential to check the other costs and benefits. For example, in Massachusetts, the Medicare PPO Blue Saver Rx plan from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts has a $0 monthly premium.
Here's a breakdown of some plans with a $0 premium:
Remember to check the plan's details, including the out-of-pocket limit, to ensure it fits your needs.
Comparing BCBS to Other Providers
BCBS Preferred Care Blue offers a unique set of benefits compared to other providers. BCBS is one of the largest health insurance companies in the US, serving over 100 million members.
BCBS Preferred Care Blue has a network of over 90,000 providers, including primary care physicians and specialists. This extensive network provides members with more options for care.
BCBS Preferred Care Blue has a lower out-of-pocket maximum compared to other providers. This means that members will pay less for medical expenses once they reach the out-of-pocket maximum.
BCBS Preferred Care Blue also offers a higher maximum out-of-network benefit compared to other providers. This provides members with more financial protection when receiving care outside of the network.
BCBS Preferred Care Blue has a lower deductible compared to other providers. This makes it easier for members to access necessary care without breaking the bank.
Understanding BCBS Products
BCBS products offer a range of benefit options, including tiered products like Blue Choice Options PPO. These products allow employers to customize benefit levels for each tier.
A tiered product typically has three levels: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. Tier 1 is the highest benefit level and most cost-effective for members, tied to a narrow network of designated providers. Tier 2 benefits offer members a broader network of providers at a higher out-of-pocket expense.
To identify a tiered benefit product, look for the product name on the member's ID card. For Blue Choice Options, the product name appears in the lower left corner. You can also ask for the three-letter network code, which is BCO for Blue Choice Options. Additionally, the statement on the back of the ID card will read: "This plan is part of the Blue Choice OPT (BCO) network with tiered benefits."
The BCBS PPO network offers flexible benefit design options and allows members to visit any doctor they choose. This network is available in various states, including Massachusetts, Kentucky, Illinois, and California.
Blue Choice PPO

Blue Choice PPO offers a higher monthly premium in exchange for a wider network of doctors and hospitals to choose from. This plan is a great option for those who value flexibility and convenience.
The Blue Choice Preferred PPO network is a smaller version of the standard Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO network, but it still provides access to a respectable number of doctors and hospitals. This plan also eliminates the need for referrals to see a specialist.
If you're willing to accept some reduced hospital and physician choice, Blue Choice Preferred PPO may be a great option for you. The plan's higher monthly premium is often offset by lower out-of-pocket costs.
The Blue Choice Options PPO plan is designed to help you control your care and expenses. It offers lower out-of-pocket costs for in-network doctors and hospitals, and the choice to use providers in the larger PPO network at a higher cost.
Here's a breakdown of the tiered benefit structure of a Blue Choice Options PPO plan:
To identify if you're an in-network provider for a Blue Choice Options member, ask for the name of the product, the three-letter network code, and the statement on the back of their ID card. The product name is Blue Choice Options, the network code is BCO, and the statement reads: "This plan is part of the Blue Choice OPT (BCO) network with tiered benefits."
Gold Plans
If you have more health care needs than most, a Gold plan might be the way to go. You'll pay more each month, but your out-of-pocket expenses will be lower.
You can have a spouse or children on your plan with a Gold plan, or you might be planning to grow your family soon. This type of plan often suits people with more complex health needs.
One Gold plan feature is the $15 primary care/$50 specialist office visit copay for the Blue Choice Preferred Gold Plan 204. You'll also get maternity coverage, well-adult care, and well-child care.

You can also consider Blue Choice Preferred Silver Plans, which have a $15 primary care copay. However, these plans are not mentioned as having a $50 specialist office visit copay.
Here's a summary of Gold plan features:
- $15 primary care/$50 specialist office visit copay for Blue Choice Preferred Gold Plan 204
- Maternity Coverage
- Well-adult care
- Well-child care
- Diagnostic testing
- Hospital services
- Optional dental coverage
Sources
- https://www.ilhealthagents.com/carriers/bluecross-blueshield-illinois/blue-choice-preferred-ppo/
- https://www.bcbsil.com/employer/our-products/product/medical
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/pros-and-cons-of-blue-cross-blue-shield-health-insurance
- https://www.fepblue.org/our-plans/basic-chart
- https://www.bcbsilcommunications.com/newsletters/br/2019/october/understanding_tiered_products.html
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