Florida Blue

How Well Do You Know Your Medicare Supplement Policy?

Your Medicare supplement policy provides a number of value-added benefits. But to get true value, you need to take advantage of those benefits to get the most from your policy and to avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket costs. Take this quick quiz to see how well you know your policy.

I can reduce my premiums as much as 4.5 percent.
True False
I can purchase a low-cost dental plan along with my Medicare supplement policy.
True False
I will always get billed for an extra amount from my doctor that Medicare and my Medicare supplement policy don’t pay.
True False
My Medicare supplement policy will automatically cover any increases in Medicare deductibles for next year.
True False
The federal government establishes a period each fall for beneficiaries to choose their coverage for the following year, so I have to fill out a form this fall to make sure my Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Medicare supplement policy does not lapse.
True False

True. You can reduce your monthly premiums by 2.5 percent through the Automatic Payment Option, an automatic bank draft program that pays your premium bills from your checking or savings account. Payments are made at your convenience and to suit your budget — once a month or once every two, three or six months. You can save an additional 2 percent by paying your premiums in one annual installment. For enrollment information, call 1-800-926-6565.

True. As a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida member, you may be able to take advantage of a low-cost dental plan available in 37 Florida counties. With this plan, you can get your teeth examined, X-rayed and cleaned all for just a $5 copayment per office visit. That’s also true for simple fillings, tooth extractions, temporary crowns and new denture adjustments. You save on the costs of other dental and denture care, too. The cost for the dental plan is $4.40 per month, which is added to your regular Medicare supplement bill. For information, call 1-800-926-6565.

False. If you use a doctor or other health care provider who participates in Medicare and accepts Medicare-approved amounts, you will not have to worry about paying any of the excess charges sometimes levied by doctors who do not accept Medicare-approved amounts as payment in full. Ask your doctor if he participates. Or call Medicare at 1-800-333-7586 or 904-355-3680 to ask a customer service representative. You also can ask for a MEDPARD directory that lists participating providers. (If you have our standardized Medicare Supplement Plan F policy, you are already covered for such excess charges up to allowable limits.)

True. Effective Jan. 1, 2001, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida will automatically increase your Medicare supplement coverage to protect you from any gaps created by increases in Medicare copayments and deductibles. (Note: Plan A doesn’t cover the inpatient hospital deductible.)

False. You should be receiving your Medicare & You 2001 handbook from the federal government sometime during September or October of this year. You’ll be asked to select in November 2000 a health plan for the year 2001. If you’re satisfied with your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Medicare supplement coverage, you don’t have to do anything. Your coverage will automatically continue.

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