Blue Cross/Blue Shield Plan F Secure
I have been on Medicare since 2006. At that time, Plan F was the best. This year, since I am 83, my premium has gone way up. I’m pretty much living on Social Security. There is a phone number on my bill that says to call if you would like to lower your bill. I called and they said that they could put me on Plan F Secure. Same coverage as Plan F but less expensive. How can that be? Is it a good thing or should I just bite the bullet and pay the extra amount? I’ve been very happy with Plan F so I don’t want to rock the boat. Love hearing you on WGN. I plan my Wednesday so I can listen to you and John. Thanks for being so clear about things so a “dummy” like me can understand it.
Terry Says
OMG — there is a HUGE difference between Plan F and Plan F “Select”, which is what I believe you were offered. Plan F Select highly restricts the hospitals you can use! See description below:
The Medigap Plan F Select offers the same benefits as above EXCEPT for nationwide coverage, because of the small network that this plan offers. With Medigap Select F, you usually can see any doctor that accepts Medicare assignment, but you have a limited network of hospitals and facilities you can use. If you go outside of your Select network, Medigap is not responsible to cover your costs (except in case of emergency).
That’s how they lower the premium. The contract with hospitals willing to make a deal with them. And if your physician is not affiliated with that hospital, once you’re IN the hospital that’s part of their network, you won’t be able to use your physician or surgeon!
This is VERY limiting — IF you need surgery or hospitalization. So I’d be very careful about switching to this plan if you can possibly afford Plan F.
