Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced (PPO) H3404-003 is a 2023 Medicare Advantage Plan or Part-C by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina available to residents in North Carolina. This plan includes extra prescription drug (Part-D) coverage. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced (PPO) has a monthly premium of $29.00 and has an in-network maximum out-of-pocket limit of $5,650 (MOOP). This means that if you get sick or need a high-cost procedure the co-pays are capped once you pay $5,650 out-of-pocket. This can be an extremely nice safety net.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina works with Medicare to provide significant coverage beyond Part A and Part B benefits. If you decide to sign up for Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced (PPO) you still retain Original Medicare. But you will get extra Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina and not Original Medicare. With 2023 Medicare Advantage Plan you are always covered for urgently needed and emergency care. Plus, you receive all the benefits of Original Medicare from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina except hospice care. Original Medicare still provides you with hospice care if you sign up for Medicare Advantage in North Carolina.

2023 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Medicare Advantage Plan Overview

What type of plan is Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced (PPO)

Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced (PPO) is a Local PPO. A preferred provider organization (PPO) is a Medicare plan that has created contracts with a network of "preferred" providers for you to choose from at reduced rates. You do not need to select a primary care physician and you do not need referrals to see other providers in the network. Offering you a little more flexibility overall. You can get medical attention from a provider outside of the network, but you will have to pay the difference between the out-of-network bill and the PPOs discounted rate.

How much does Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced (PPO) cost?

Monthly Premium

A monthly premium is the fee you pay to the plan in exchange for coverage. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina charges a $29.00 consolidated premium. The Part C premium is $0 this charge covers Medicare medical, hospital benefits and supplemental benefits if offered. You generally are also responsible for paying the Part B premium.

Part-D Deductible and Premium

An annual deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket for your prescription drugs before your plan begins to pay. Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced (PPO) has a monthly drug premium of $29.00 and a $0 drug deductible. This Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina plan offers a $29.00 Part-D Basic Premium that is Not below the regional benchmark. This covers the basic prescription benefit only and does not cover enhanced drug benefits such as medical benefits or hospital benefits. The Part D Supplemental Premium is $0. This Premium covers any enhanced plan benefits offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina above and beyond the standard PDP benefits. This can include extra coverage in the gap, lower co-payments, and coverage of non-Part D drugs. The Part D Total Premium is $29.00. The Part D Total Premium is the addition of supplemental and basic premiums for some plans this amount can be lowered due to negative basic or supplemental premiums.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Gap Coverage

In 2023 once you and your plan provider have spent $4660 on covered drugs. (Combined amount plus your deductible) You will be in the coverage gap. (AKA "donut hole") You will be required to pay 25% for prescription drugs unless your plan offers extra coverage. This Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina plan does offer extra coverage through the gap.

Extra Help Premium Assistance

The Low Income Subsidy (LIS) Extra Helps people with Medicare pay for prescription drugs and lowers the costs of Medicare prescription drug coverage. Income limits are based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which changes every year in February or March. The 2022 income limit is $1,719 ($2,309 for couples) per month. Depending on your income level you may be eligible for a full 75%, 50%, 25% premium assistance. The Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced (PPO) medicare insurance offers a $0 premium obligation if you receive a full low-income subsidy (LIS) assistance. And the payment is $7.20 for 75% low-income subsidy $14.50 for 50% and $21.70 for 25%.

MOOP

The maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) is a yearly limit on your out-of-pocket costs. Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced (PPO) by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina MOOP is $5,650. Once you spend $5,650 you will pay nothing for Part A or Part B covered services. Copayments and coinsurance for Medicare approved services apply toward your out-of-pocket limit. Remember Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t have a MOOP.

Formulary and Drug Coverage

Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced (PPO) formulary is divided into tiers or levels of coverage based on usage and according to the medication costs. Each tier will have a defined copay that you must pay to receive the drug. Drugs in lower tiers will usually cost less than those in higher tiers. By reviewing different Medicare Drug formularies, you can pick a Medicare Advantage plan that covers your medications. Additionally, you can choose a plan that has your drugs listed at a lower price.

Drug Tier	Copay Preferred Pharmacy	Copay Nonpreferred Pharmacy
Tier 1	$0	$15
Tier 2	$6	$20
Tier 3	$37	$47
Tier 4	$90	$100
Tier 5	33%	33%
Tier 6	$0	$1

The complete Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced (PPO) Formulary.
*Initial Coverage Phase and 30 day supply

2023 Summary of Benefits

The benefit information provided is a summary of what Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced (PPO) covers and what you pay (such as copayments and coinsurance amounts) for certain common medical events. The Summary of Benefits from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina helps get an idea of how much financial protection the plan is generally expected to provide for common health conditions. This section also contains information on coverage for in-network and out-of-network providers.

Wellness programs (e.g., fitness, nursing hotline)	Covered

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Contact lenses

Out-of-Network Vision	$0 copay
In-Network Vision	$0 copay

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Eyeglass frames

Out-of-Network Vision	$0 copay
In-Network Vision	$0 copay

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Eyeglass lenses

Out-of-Network Vision	$0 copay
In-Network Vision	$0 copay

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Eyeglasses (frames and lenses)

In-Network Vision	$0 copay
Out-of-Network Vision	$0 copay

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Other

In-Network Vision	$25 copay
Out-of-Network Vision	40% coinsurance

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Routine eye exam

Out-of-Network Vision	40% coinsurance
In-Network Vision	$25 copay

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Upgrades

In-Network Vision	$0 copay
Out-of-Network Vision	$0 copay

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In-Network Transportation	$0 copay
Out-of-Network Transportation	$0 copay
In-Network Skilled Nursing Facility	$0 per day for days 1 through 20 $196 per day for days 21 through 60 $0 per day for days 61 through 100
Out-of-Network Skilled Nursing Facility	40% per day for days 1 through 100

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Occupational therapy visit

Out-of-Network Rehabilitation services	40% coinsurance
In-Network Rehabilitation services	$40 copay

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Physical therapy and speech and language therapy visit

In-Network Rehabilitation services	$10 copay
Out-of-Network Rehabilitation services	40% coinsurance

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Cleaning

Out-of-Network Preventive dental	20% coinsurance
In-Network Preventive dental	$0 copay

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Dental x-ray(s)

Out-of-Network Preventive dental	20% coinsurance
In-Network Preventive dental	$0 copay

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Fluoride treatment

Out-of-Network Preventive dental	20% coinsurance
In-Network Preventive dental	$0 copay

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Oral exam

In-Network Preventive dental	$0 copay
Out-of-Network Preventive dental	20% coinsurance

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In-Network Preventive care	$0 copay
Out-of-Network Preventive care	$0 copay
In-Network Outpatient hospital coverage	$295 copay per visit
Out-of-Network Outpatient hospital coverage	40% coinsurance per visit
In-Network Other health plan deductibles?	No
Optional supplemental benefits	No

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Inpatient hospital - psychiatric

In-Network Mental health services	$300 per day for days 1 through 5 $0 per day for days 6 through 90
Out-of-Network Mental health services	40% per day for days 1 through 190

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Outpatient group therapy visit

In-Network Mental health services	$35 copay
Out-of-Network Mental health services	40% coinsurance
In-Network Mental health services	$25 copay

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Outpatient group therapy visit with a psychiatrist

In-Network Mental health services	$25 copay
In-Network Mental health services	$35 copay
Out-of-Network Mental health services	40% coinsurance

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Outpatient individual therapy visit

In-Network Mental health services	$25 copay
Out-of-Network Mental health services	40% coinsurance
In-Network Mental health services	$35 copay

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Outpatient individual therapy visit with a psychiatrist

In-Network Mental health services	$25 copay
In-Network Mental health services	$35 copay
Out-of-Network Mental health services	40% coinsurance

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Chemotherapy

In-Network Medicare Part B drugs	20% coinsurance
Out-of-Network Medicare Part B drugs	40% coinsurance

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Other Part B drugs

Out-of-Network Medicare Part B drugs	40% coinsurance
In-Network Medicare Part B drugs	20% coinsurance

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Diabetes supplies

In-Network Medical equipment/supplies	0-20% coinsurance per item
Out-of-Network Medical equipment/supplies	40% coinsurance per item

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Durable medical equipment (e.g., wheelchairs, oxygen)

Out-of-Network Medical equipment/supplies	40% coinsurance per item
In-Network Medical equipment/supplies	20% coinsurance per item

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Prosthetics (e.g., braces, artificial limbs)

Out-of-Network Medical equipment/supplies	40% coinsurance per item
In-Network Medical equipment/supplies	20% coinsurance per item

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Maximum out-of-pocket enrollee responsibility (does not include prescription drugs)	$5,650 In and Out-of-network $5,650 In-network
Out-of-Network Inpatient hospital coverage	40% per day for days 1 and beyond
In-Network Inpatient hospital coverage	$335 per day for days 1 through 5 $0 per day for days 6 through 90 $0 per day for days 91 and beyond

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Fitting/evaluation

In-Network Hearing	$0 copay
Out-of-Network Hearing	$0 copay

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Hearing aids

In-Network Hearing	$699-999 copay
Out-of-Network Hearing	$699-999 copay

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Hearing exam

In-Network Hearing	$25 copay
In-Network Hearing	$35 copay
Out-of-Network Hearing	40% coinsurance

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Health plan deductible	$0
Out-of-Network Ground ambulance	$250 copay
In-Network Ground ambulance	$250 copay

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Foot exams and treatment

In-Network Foot care (podiatry services)	$25 copay
In-Network Foot care (podiatry services)	$35 copay
Out-of-Network Foot care (podiatry services)	40% coinsurance

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Routine foot care

Foot care (podiatry services)	Not covered

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Emergency

Emergency care/Urgent care	$110 copay per visit (always covered)

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Urgent care

Emergency care/Urgent care	$60 copay per visit (always covered)

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Primary

Out-of-Network Doctor visits	40% coinsurance per visit
In-Network Doctor visits	$0 copay

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Specialist

In-Network Doctor visits	$25 copay per visit
In-Network Doctor visits	$35 copay per visit
Out-of-Network Doctor visits	40% coinsurance per visit

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Diagnostic radiology services (e.g., MRI)

In-Network Diagnostic procedures/lab services/imaging	$0-300 copay or 20% coinsurance
Out-of-Network Diagnostic procedures/lab services/imaging	40% coinsurance

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Diagnostic tests and procedures

In-Network Diagnostic procedures/lab services/imaging	$0-25 copay
Out-of-Network Diagnostic procedures/lab services/imaging	40% coinsurance

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Lab services

In-Network Diagnostic procedures/lab services/imaging	$0-5 copay
Out-of-Network Diagnostic procedures/lab services/imaging	40% coinsurance

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Outpatient x-rays

Out-of-Network Diagnostic procedures/lab services/imaging	40% coinsurance
In-Network Diagnostic procedures/lab services/imaging	$0-15 copay

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Diagnostic services

Comprehensive dental	Not covered

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Endodontics

In-Network Comprehensive dental	$0 copay
Out-of-Network Comprehensive dental	20% coinsurance

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Extractions

In-Network Comprehensive dental	$0 copay
Out-of-Network Comprehensive dental	20% coinsurance

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Non-routine services

Comprehensive dental	Not covered

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Periodontics

Out-of-Network Comprehensive dental	20% coinsurance
In-Network Comprehensive dental	$0 copay

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Prosthodontics, other oral/maxillofacial surgery, other services

Out-of-Network Comprehensive dental	20% coinsurance
In-Network Comprehensive dental	$0 copay

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Restorative services

In-Network Comprehensive dental	$0 copay
Out-of-Network Comprehensive dental	20% coinsurance

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In-Network Additional benefits and/or reduced cost-sharing for enrollees with certain health conditions?	No

Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced (PPO) Reviews

Is Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced (PPO) a good plan? Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced (PPO) received a 4.5 overall star rating from the CMS. The CMS uses a Star Rating System to measure how well Medicare Advantage and Part D plans perform. Plans are rated on a one-to-five scale, with one star representing poor performance and five stars representing excellent performance. Medicare Advantage with prescription drug (Part D) coverage (MA-PD) contracts are rated on up to 38 unique quality and performance measures. You can use the CMS star rating to compare Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced Reviews among several different plans.

Staying Healthy, Screening, Testing, & Vaccines

Managing Chronic And Long Term Care for Older Adults

Member Experience with H3404-003 Health Plan

Member Complaints and Changes in Plans Performance

Health Plan Customer Service Rating for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina

Drug Plan Customer Service Ratings

Ratings For Member Complaints and Changes in the Drug Plans Performance

Member Experience with the Drug Plan

Drug Safety and Accuracy of Drug Pricing

Coverage Area

(Click county or state to compare all available Advantage plans)

The availability of Medicare Advantage Plans will vary according to your region. This is why the Coverage Area matters in terms of Medicare eligibility. You will always be eligible for Original Medicare, but eligibility for Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced (PPO) requires you to live in that plan’s service area. The service area is listed below:

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Source:CMS. Data as of Oct 1, 2022.

Last updated on December 03, 2022

Notes: Data are subject to change as contracts are finalized. For 2023, enhanced alternative may offer extra cost sharing reductions in the gap on a sub-set of the formulary drugs, beyond the standard Part-D benefit. Includes 2023 approved contracts. Employer sponsored 800 series and plans under sanction are excluded.