Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Can I enroll online? 

A: Yes. Our easy, quick, and secure online tool requires virtually no paperwork. It takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete the process and once finished, you can print out a copy of your enrollment form for reference.

Q: How secure is the information I enter online? 

A: BCBSNC has taken steps to protect information collected from our online visitors against unauthorized access and use. All online forms that include information captured from our users are secured using a Secured Socket Layer (SSL), which encrypts the information as it travels from the desktop to our server. BCBSNC is committed to ensuring transaction security and privacy. BCBSNC obtains certification from industry-recognized security vendors to ensure that our systems meet security standards. As an additional security measure, BCBSNC uses a firewall to prevent unauthorized access to our site. Site personnel monitor activity logs at regular intervals to look for unauthorized intrusions. For more information, view our Privacy Policy.

Q: What happens to my Medicare coverage when I join a Blue Medicare HMO or Blue Medicare PPO plan? 

A: Once you become a Blue Medicare HMO or Blue Medicare PPO member, you transfer the administration of your Medicare benefits to Blue Medicare HMO or Blue Medicare PPO. This means you maintain your status as a Medicare beneficiary, plus you gain the enhanced coverage available through your Blue Medicare HMO or Blue Medicare PPO health plan. You'll receive a Blue Medicare HMO or Blue Medicare PPO Member ID card that you'll present when using your Blue Medicare HMO or PPO benefits. You should present your Blue Medicare HMO or PPO ID card when using your pharmacy benefits.

Q:  Are annual physicals covered? 

A: Yes, Blue Medicare HMO and Blue Medicare PPO recognize the importance of preventive care and encourage routine health examinations for all members.

Q:  What happens if I have a medical emergency? 

A: If you have a medical emergency, go to the nearest medical facility or call 911. Blue Medicare HMO and Blue Medicare PPO plans cover emergency services for you in or out of the service area. Please contact your primary care physician or Blue Medicare HMO or Blue Medicare PPO Customer Service within 48 hours so your PCP can coordinate follow-up care. Emergency services require a copayment, but it will be waived if you are admitted to the hospital on an inpatient basis within 48 hours.

Q:  If I'm a military retiree, can I join a Blue Medicare HMO or Blue Medicare PPO plan without losing my military benefits? 

A: Yes. Once you join Blue Medicare HMO or Blue Medicare PPO, you can continue to use your military benefits at military facilities and your Blue Medicare HMO or Blue Medicare PPO benefits outside of the military system.

Q:  Can I qualify for financial assistance if I have a limited income? 

A: If you have Medicare and Medicaid, you already qualify for low income assistance. If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, you may still qualify for some assistance. The amount of assistance will depend on your income and resources and will be applied to the cost of the Medicare prescription drug coverage portion of your Blue Medicare HMO or PPO plan. You may be able to get extra help to pay for your prescription drug premiums and costs. To see if you qualify for getting extra help, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Hearing and speech impaired users should call 1-877-486-2048 (TTY/TDD), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or The Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. Hearing and speech impaired users should call 1-800-325-0778 (TTY/TDD) or your State Medicaid Office.

If you do qualify for additional assistance for your Medicare prescription drug coverage costs, the amount of your premium and cost at the pharmacy will be lower. Once you have enrolled in a Blue Medicare HMO or Blue Medicare PPO plan, Medicare will tell us how much assistance you are receiving and we will send you information on the amount you will pay.

Monthly Plan Premium for People who get Extra Help from Medicare to
Help Pay for their Prescription Drug Costs

2013 LIS Table

*This does not include any Medicare Part B premium you may have to pay.

Q:  Can I buy a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan from BCBSNC? 

A: Yes, but if you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan and want Medicare prescription drug coverage, you must enroll in a Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan - one that includes both medical and prescription drug benefits.

Q:  If I choose the Blue Medicare HMO plan that does not include Medicare prescription drug coverage, can I buy Medicare prescription drug coverage separately from another source? 

A: No. If you choose to enroll in the Blue Medicare HMO Medical only plan that does not include prescription drug coverage, federal regulations prohibit you from purchasing a separate Medicare prescription drug plan as a separate policy or from another company.

Q:  Can I use my Medicare prescription drug coverage to order my drugs from Canada? 

A: No. Only drugs purchased in the United States are eligible for Medicare prescription drug coverage.