• What is BlueSecure?
• When can my clients apply for BlueSecure?
• Are these managed care (HMO) plans?
• Will my clients need to switch doctors if they enroll in BlueSecure?
• Can my clients see a specialist whenever they want?
• Is BlueSecure accepted when my clients travel out of state and need medical care?
• What if my clients (or their spouse) plan to work after age 65 and continue receiving group health care benefits?
• Do my clients need other types of insurance beyond a BlueSecure policy?
• Does BlueSecure include coverage for prescription drugs?
• What if I have questions about group plans?
BlueSecure is an employer-sponsored health insurance plan which helps 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. Your clients must also be primary under Medicare according to federal law in order to be eligible for BlueSecure.
When can my clients apply for BlueSecure?
To apply for BlueSecure coverage, your clients 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. Your clients 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. Your clients don't need a referral from one doctor to see another.
Will my clients need to switch doctors if they enroll in BlueSecure?
No. Your clients 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 my clients see a specialist whenever they want?
Yes. Just remember that out-of-pocket costs will be less if they choose a physician who accepts Medicare assignment.
Is BlueSecure accepted when my clients travel out of state and need medical care?
Yes. We understand that your client 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. Your clients will still be required to use providers that accept Medicare payment in order to receive coverage under BlueSecure.
What if my clients (or their spouse) plan to work after age 65 and continue receiving group health care benefits?
They should check with their employer's group plan administrator. Depending on the size of the group, they may have to remain in the employer's regular health care plan or they may be able to choose original Medicare plus BlueSecure coverage. If they stay with the group health care plan, a Special Enrollment Period lets your clients delay purchasing Part B until they need it.
Do my clients need other types of insurance beyond a BlueSecure policy?
BlueSecure is designed so that your clients 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 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). Your clients should check with their employer group benefit administrator when determining their options for prescription drug coverage.
What if I have questions about group plans?
For more information about our plans for groups, please contact BCBSNM Customer Service toll-free at (800) 432-0750 or email us.
Learn More About BlueSecure
Overview
Benefit Information
