• What is BlueSecure?
• When can an employee apply for BlueSecure?
• Are these managed care (HMO) plans?
• Will employees need to switch doctors if they enroll in BlueSecure?
• Can members see a specialist whenever they want?
• Is BlueSecure accepted when members travel out of state and needs medical care?
• What if an employee (or employee's spouse) plans to work after age 65 and continue receiving group health care benefits?
• Do members need other types of insurance beyond a BlueSecure policy?
• Does BlueSecure include coverage for prescription drugs?
• What if my employees have questions about medical plan benefits?
BlueSecure is a health insurance plan that you sponsor for your employees to help pay for charges that are not covered by original Medicare. BlueSecure medical benefits are coordinated with original Medicare benefits. This group policy is available to those employees and their dependents who are Medicare-eligible and it features benefits similar to traditional Medicare Supplement plans. The employee must also be primary under Medicare according to federal law in order to be eligible for BlueSecure.
When can an employee apply for BlueSecure?
To apply for BlueSecure coverage, an individual must be eligible for Medicare (age 65 or older) and must be an employee, retiree, or dependent of an employee of an employer group that is contracted with BCBSNM to offer this coverage. Applicants must be enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B as their primary coverage, and if accepted for BlueSecure coverage, must continue to pay any Medicare premiums and remain enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. The employee may choose BlueSecure during an open enrollment period (up to six months after the date turning age 65 or older and enrolling in Medicare Part B). Note: Members who are primary under the employer group health plan according to federal law (e.g., active employees in groups of 20 or more) may not enroll in BlueSecure.
Are these managed care (HMO) plans?
No. BlueSecure plans offer the freedom to use any physician and any hospital that accepts Medicare payment. Members don't need a referral from one doctor to see another.
Will employees need to switch doctors if they enroll in BlueSecure?
No. They may continue to see their own doctor, as long as their doctor accepts Medicare payment. BlueSecure is convenient and flexible, giving freedom of choice.
Can members see a specialist whenever they want?
Yes. Just remember that out-of-pocket costs will be less if members choose a physician who accepts Medicare assignment.
Is BlueSecure accepted when a member travels out of state and needs medical care?
Yes. We understand that members may need medical care when traveling, and that's the purpose of dependable coverage with BlueSecure insurance. The BCBSNM ID card is recognized and accepted by doctors, hospitals, and other facilities nationwide. Members will still be required to use providers that accept Medicare payment in order to receive coverage under BlueSecure.
What if an employee (or employee's spouse) plans to work after age 65 and continue receiving group health care benefits?
Depending on the size of your group, your employee may have to remain in your regular group health care plan or may be able to choose original Medicare plus BlueSecure coverage. If the employee stays with your group health care plan, a Special Enrollment Period lets him or her delay purchasing Part B until it's needed.
Do members need other types of insurance beyond a BlueSecure policy?
BlueSecure is designed so that members generally do not need other similar coverage.
Does BlueSecure include coverage for prescription drugs?
BlueSecure does not include coverage for outpatient prescription drugs. The only benefits for prescription drugs paid under BlueSecure are those supplied and used during a hospital admission, skilled nursing facility stay, or hospice election that qualifies for Medicare coverage.
Some employers choose to offer creditable coverage for prescription drugs (such as Medicare Part D or some other type of prescription drug plan that is equal to or better than Medicare prescription drug coverage). Let your employees know their options for prescription drug coverage.
What if my employees have questions about medical plan benefits?
BCBSNM's customer service representatives are available to answer questions 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. MT, Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT on Saturdays and holidays. If members call after hours, they can leave a message and we will return their call by the next business day. Call the toll-free number printed on the back of the member ID card. Please have the ID card available when calling. Members may also email questions to BCBSNM Customer Service.
Learn More About BlueSecure
BlueSecure Overview
BlueSecure Benefit Information
