Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Freedom Valor (PPO) H5526-023 is a 2023 Medicare Advantage Plan or Part-C by Highmark BCBS of WNY and Highmark BS of NENY available to residents in New York. This plan does not provide extra prescription drug (Part-D) coverage. Highmark BCBS of WNY and Highmark BS of NENY Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Freedom Valor (PPO) has a monthly premium of $0 and has an in-network maximum out-of-pocket limit of $6,700 (MOOP). This means that if you get sick or need a high-cost procedure the co-pays are capped once you pay $6,700 out-of-pocket. This can be an extremely nice safety net.

Highmark BCBS of WNY and Highmark BS of NENY works with Medicare to provide significant coverage beyond Part A and Part B benefits. If you decide to sign up for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Freedom Valor (PPO) you still retain Original Medicare. But you will get extra Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance) coverage from Highmark BCBS of WNY and Highmark BS of NENY 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 Highmark BCBS of WNY and Highmark BS of NENY except hospice care. Original Medicare still provides you with hospice care if you sign up for Medicare Advantage in New York.

2023 Highmark BCBS of WNY and Highmark BS of NENY Medicare Advantage Plan Overview

What type of plan is Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Freedom Valor (PPO)

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Freedom Valor (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 Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Freedom Valor (PPO) cost?

Part-C Premium

A monthly premium is the fee you pay to the plan in exchange for coverage. Highmark BCBS of WNY and Highmark BS of NENY charges a $0 premium. The Part C premium covers Medicare medical, hospital benefits and supplemental benefits if offered. You generally are also responsible for paying the Part B premium.

MOOP

The maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) is a yearly limit on your out-of-pocket costs. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Freedom Valor (PPO) by Highmark BCBS of WNY and Highmark BS of NENY MOOP is $6,700. Once you spend $6,700 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.

2023 Summary of Benefits

The benefit information provided is a summary of what Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Freedom Valor (PPO) covers and what you pay (such as copayments and coinsurance amounts) for certain common medical events. The Summary of Benefits from Highmark BCBS of WNY and Highmark BS of NENY 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

In-Network Vision	$0 copay
Out-of-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

Vision	Not covered

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Routine eye exam

Out-of-Network Vision	20% coinsurance
In-Network Vision	$25 copay

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Upgrades

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

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Transportation	Not covered
In-Network Skilled Nursing Facility	$0 per day for days 1 through 20 $196 per day for days 21 through 100
Out-of-Network Skilled Nursing Facility	50% per stay

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Occupational therapy visit

In-Network Rehabilitation services	$15 copay
Out-of-Network Rehabilitation services	50% coinsurance

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Physical therapy and speech and language therapy visit

Out-of-Network Rehabilitation services	50% coinsurance
In-Network Rehabilitation services	$15 copay

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Cleaning

Out-of-Network Preventive dental	$0 copay
In-Network Preventive dental	$0 copay

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Dental x-ray(s)

In-Network Preventive dental	$0 copay
Out-of-Network Preventive dental	$0 copay

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Fluoride treatment

Preventive dental	Not covered

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Oral exam

In-Network Preventive dental	$0 copay
Out-of-Network Preventive dental	$0 copay

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Out-of-Network Preventive care	50% coinsurance
In-Network Preventive care	$0 copay
Out-of-Network Outpatient hospital coverage	50% coinsurance per visit
In-Network Outpatient hospital coverage	$325 copay 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	$260 per day for days 1 through 6 $0 per day for days 7 through 90
Out-of-Network Mental health services	50% per stay

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Outpatient group therapy visit

Out-of-Network Mental health services	50% coinsurance
In-Network Mental health services	$40 copay

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Outpatient group therapy visit with a psychiatrist

Out-of-Network Mental health services	50% coinsurance
In-Network Mental health services	$40 copay

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Outpatient individual therapy visit

In-Network Mental health services	$40 copay
Out-of-Network Mental health services	50% coinsurance

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Outpatient individual therapy visit with a psychiatrist

In-Network Mental health services	$40 copay
Out-of-Network Mental health services	50% coinsurance

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Chemotherapy

In-Network Medicare Part B drugs	20% coinsurance
Out-of-Network Medicare Part B drugs	50% coinsurance

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Other Part B drugs

In-Network Medicare Part B drugs	20% coinsurance
Out-of-Network Medicare Part B drugs	50% coinsurance

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Diabetes supplies

In-Network Medical equipment/supplies	$0 copay
Out-of-Network Medical equipment/supplies	50% coinsurance per item

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

In-Network Medical equipment/supplies	0-20% coinsurance per item
Out-of-Network Medical equipment/supplies	50% coinsurance per item

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

Out-of-Network Medical equipment/supplies	50% 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)	$10,000 In and Out-of-network $6,700 In-network
Out-of-Network Inpatient hospital coverage	50% per stay
In-Network Inpatient hospital coverage	$290 per day for days 1 through 7 $0 per day for days 8 through 90

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Fitting/evaluation

In-Network Hearing	$0 copay
Out-of-Network Hearing	$45 copay

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Hearing aids

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

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Hearing exam

In-Network Hearing	$35 copay
Out-of-Network Hearing	50% coinsurance

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Health plan deductible	$0
In-Network Ground ambulance	$200 copay
Out-of-Network Ground ambulance	$200 copay

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Foot exams and treatment

Out-of-Network Foot care (podiatry services)	50% coinsurance
In-Network Foot care (podiatry services)	$35 copay

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Routine foot care

In-Network Foot care (podiatry services)	$35 copay
Out-of-Network Foot care (podiatry services)	50% coinsurance

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Emergency

Emergency care/Urgent care	$95 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	50% coinsurance per visit
In-Network Doctor visits	$0 copay

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Specialist

Out-of-Network Doctor visits	50% coinsurance per visit
In-Network Doctor visits	$35 copay per visit

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Diagnostic radiology services (e.g., MRI)

In-Network Diagnostic procedures/lab services/imaging	$150 copay
Out-of-Network Diagnostic procedures/lab services/imaging	50% coinsurance

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Diagnostic tests and procedures

In-Network Diagnostic procedures/lab services/imaging	$45 copay
Out-of-Network Diagnostic procedures/lab services/imaging	50% coinsurance

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Lab services

In-Network Diagnostic procedures/lab services/imaging	$0 copay
Out-of-Network Diagnostic procedures/lab services/imaging	50% coinsurance

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Outpatient x-rays

Out-of-Network Diagnostic procedures/lab services/imaging	50% coinsurance
In-Network Diagnostic procedures/lab services/imaging	$45 copay

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Diagnostic services

Out-of-Network Comprehensive dental	50% coinsurance
In-Network Comprehensive dental	50% coinsurance

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Endodontics

In-Network Comprehensive dental	50% coinsurance
Out-of-Network Comprehensive dental	50% coinsurance

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Extractions

Out-of-Network Comprehensive dental	50% coinsurance
In-Network Comprehensive dental	50% coinsurance

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Non-routine services

Comprehensive dental	Not covered

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Periodontics

In-Network Comprehensive dental	$0 copay
Out-of-Network Comprehensive dental	50% coinsurance

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Prosthodontics, other oral/maxillofacial surgery, other services

Comprehensive dental	Not covered

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Restorative services

In-Network Comprehensive dental	50% coinsurance
Out-of-Network Comprehensive dental	50% coinsurance

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

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Freedom Valor (PPO) Reviews

Is Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Freedom Valor (PPO) a good plan? Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Freedom Valor (PPO) received a 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 Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Freedom Valor Reviews among several different plans.

Staying Healthy, Screening, Testing, & Vaccines

Managing Chronic And Long Term Care for Older Adults

Member Experience with H5526-023 Health Plan

Member Complaints and Changes in Plans Performance

Health Plan Customer Service Rating for Highmark BCBS of WNY and Highmark BS of NENY

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 Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Freedom Valor (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.