Medicare
You're Now Surfing Through Medicare
Getting started as a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Medicare Supplement member has never been easier. Find out what's covered, how we stay in touch with you, how to check your member ID card and how to make a payment.
Welcome to Your Plan
Feeling a little nervous about your new plan? We understand. Whether you're new to Medicare or just to your plan, here are some tips to make the transition smooth. Your Medicare plan may be new to you now, but soon you'll get to know it and be comfortable with it. You may even like it better than your previous health care plan. We hope to answer your basic questions here.
If you need more information or just want a little help understanding your benefits or the Medicare rules, call the number on the back of your member ID card.
Medicare Supplement Coverage with BCBSMT
We're here to help you understand your coverage, stay informed, and take advantage of available discounts.
What’s Covered
Your Outline of Coverage details your plan benefits. The Outline of Coverage includes:
- Benefits of your plan
- Policy renewal information
- Excluded benefits and coverage limitations
Payment Details
The Outline of Coverage also explains:
- Your payment responsibilities
- Medicare’s payment contributions
- Additional coverage provided by your plan beyond Medicare
Staying Informed
We keep you updated with important letters throughout the year. Here's what you can expect.
Rate Change Mailing
If Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana changes your monthly premium, we’ll let you know in advance with a letter showing your new premium amount.
CMS Deductible Change Benefit Mailings
Every year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updates coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles covered by Medicare. We’ll let you know what those changes are.
Creditable Coverage Letter
Creditable coverage means you have a health care plan that meets a minimum set of standards. Every year, this letter confirms that your plan meets the minimum standards for health coverage. If you want to change your plan, you should show this letter when choosing a new plan.
Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
This statement details what you have paid and describes the level of benefits you've used. It is not a bill. Review your EOB to make sure it is right. If you think there are errors, contact Customer Service. If you think you are the victim of fraud, report it immediately.
Medicare Supplement Forms
Below are some forms you may have to fill out while you're a member.
- Automatic Premium Payment Program Authorization Agreement
- Protected Health Information (PHI)
Preventing Fraud
Health care fraud can be reduced or even prevented through awareness. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana (BCBSMT) is committed to finding and stopping health care fraud, waste and abuse through its Special Investigations Department. This department is there to protect you and your plan. However, BCBSMT needs your help to find and prevent health care fraud.
To learn what you can do to help find and prevent health care fraud, review our fighting fraud checklist.
Find Your Plan's Documents
You can find your plan's specific documents by logging into your online account, Blue Access for Members or by going to the Blue Cross Medicare Options℠ Forms and Documents page and then search your Zip Code to select your plan.
Member Discounts
Saving on Premiums
A BCBSMT Medicare Supplement premium discount may be available. Qualifications are described below. If you qualify for a discount, it will be applied to your next bill and remain in effect as long as you are enrolled in your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana Medicare Supplement plan. Discounts cannot be combined; only one type of discount per member is allowed. These discounts are not retroactive.
Continue with Blue℠ Discount
You may qualify for a Continue with Blue discount if you were enrolled in a Blue Cross and Blue Shield commercial group or individual health insurance coverage plan and that coverage was within one year of your BCBSMT Medicare Supplement policy becoming effective. This applies to BCBSMT Medicare Supplement policies issued with an effective date on or after May 1, 2023. There cannot be a gap in coverage greater than 12 months from the date of when your commercial or individual membership ended to when your Medicare Supplement policy started. The discount is 7%.
Spousal/Partner Discount
You may qualify for a Spousal/Partner Discount if you enrolled in a BCBSMT Medicare Supplement policy issued with an effective date on or after May 1, 2022. You must reside with a spouse or domestic partner. The discount is 10%.
Blue Family Discount℠
You may qualify for a Blue Family Discount if you enrolled in a BCBSMT Medicare Supplement policy issued with an effective date on or after May 1, 2024 and you meet the criteria for both the Spousal/Partner Discount AND the Continue with Blue Discount. The discount is 12%.