BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

2010 Medicare Blue (PPO)

Would you like a Medicare Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan with built-in drug benefits and 24-hour access to a nurse advisor? With Medicare Blue^SM (PPO), you can enjoy all of the benefits that the original Medicare plan offers and more.

Medicare Blue (PPO) is open to all South Carolina residents who have Medicare Part A and Part B.

How Much Does Medicare Blue Cost?

The monthly premium for Medicare Blue (PPO) is $0 for Upstate and Midlands residents and $59 for Coastal and Rural residents. If you currently pay a premium for Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B, you must continue paying your premium in order to keep Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B and remain a member of this plan.

Can I Choose My Doctors?

BlueCross has formed a network of doctors, specialists and hospitals. To receive full benefits:

• You must use network providers to get your medical care and services. The only exceptions are emergencies, urgently needed care when the network is not available (generally, out of the area), out of the area dialysis services and cases in which Medicare Blue (PPO) authorizes use of non-network providers.
• You must receive all routine care from plan providers.

You can find an up-to-date list of the doctors, vision care providers and hospitals in our network in the Provider/Pharmacy Directory or search using our Doctor and Hospital Finder.

Vision care benefits are only available through opthalmologists, optometrists and opticians in the EyeMed network. On behalf of BlueCross, EyeMed provides a vision care provider network. EyeMed is an independent company. To access the most recent list of vision care providers, visit the Provider Locator.

Can I Change Plans After I Enroll?

You can switch plans during the open enrollment period every year from November 15 to December 31. Medicare may also allow you to change plans under special circumstances, such as:

• If you permanently move out of your plan’s service area
• If you get help from your state Medicaid program paying Medicare premiums and/or cost sharing
• If you qualify for extra help paying for prescription drugs
• If you enter, live in or leave a nursing home

Find the right health or prescription drug plan for you.

The Medicare program rates how well health plans perform in different categories (for example, ratings in customer service and detecting and preventing illnesses). On www.medicare.gov you can compare the ratings for Medicare for plans in your area by selecting “Compare Medicare Prescription Drug Plans” or “Compare Health Plans and Medigap Policies in Your Area.” You can also get a copy of the ratings by calling us at 1-888-645-6025 (TTY 1-888-645-6023) - 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. 

A PPO plan with a Medicare contract.

Last updated: 1/27/10
MOO54_WBPPO10 (02/2010)