
As you navigate the world of Medicare and prescription drug coverage, it can be overwhelming to understand what's covered and what's not. BCBS FEP 2024 offers a range of plans that can help you stay on top of your healthcare costs.
One of the key benefits of BCBS FEP 2024 is its comprehensive coverage of Medicare services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and preventive care. This means you can focus on staying healthy, not worrying about surprise medical bills.
With BCBS FEP 2024, you'll also have access to a network of healthcare providers who have agreed to accept the plan's rates. This can help you save money on out-of-pocket costs and avoid surprise medical bills.
BCBS FEP 2024 also offers a range of prescription drug plans to help you manage your medication costs.
Consider reading: Bcbs Fep Zepbound Coverage
Mental Health and Wellness
As we dive into the world of BCBS FEP 2024, it's essential to prioritize mental health and wellness.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP) offers a range of mental health services, including counseling and therapy sessions, with no prior authorization required.
Research has shown that regular exercise can significantly improve mental health, with a study finding that individuals who exercised regularly had a 43% lower risk of depression.
BCBS FEP 2024 covers mental health services with no copayment, coinsurance, or deductible for in-network providers.
The program also offers a 24/7 mental health hotline, providing immediate support and guidance for those in need.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 adults in the US experience mental illness each year, highlighting the importance of accessible mental health services.
BCBS FEP 2024 encourages members to take proactive steps towards mental wellness, including scheduling regular check-ins with their primary care physician.
Expand your knowledge: Bcbs Fep Blue Focus
Pharmacy Services
If you're a FEP Blue Standard member or FEP Blue Basic member with Medicare Part B primary, you can get your prescriptions delivered directly to your door through the FEP Mail Service Pharmacy Program. This program is a convenient option for those who want to skip the hassle of visiting a pharmacy.
See what others are reading: Bcbs Fep Mail Order Pharmacy
The FEP Medicare Prescription Drug Program (MPDP) offers lower out-of-pocket costs for higher cost drugs and additional approved prescription drugs in some tiers than the traditional pharmacy benefit. The annual pharmacy out-of-pocket maximum is $2,000 per member, and it's separate from the medical out-of-pocket maximum.
Here's a breakdown of what you'll pay for a 30-day supply of covered drugs under the MPDP:
Mail Service Pharmacy
Mail Service Pharmacy allows you to get your prescriptions delivered directly to your door.
FEP Blue Standard members and FEP Blue Basic members with Medicare Part B primary can take advantage of this convenient service.
This means you can skip the hassle of going to the pharmacy in person and have your medications delivered to your doorstep.
For more insights, see: Bcbs Pharmacy
Specialty Pharmacy
Specialty Pharmacy is a program designed to help members get specialty drugs at a reasonable cost. This program is exclusively for members who are prescribed specialty drugs.
FEP Specialty Pharmacy Program is a great example of how this works, helping members get their specialty drugs at a lower cost. The program is specifically designed to make prescription medications more affordable for those who need them most.
Specialty drugs can be expensive, but with the right program in place, getting the medication you need can be more manageable.
Prior Approval Required for Certain Prescription Drugs and Supplies
Prior approval is required for certain prescription drugs and supplies, and it's essential to understand the process to avoid any delays or issues with your pharmacy benefits.
To give prior approval, your healthcare provider needs to confirm two things: that you're using the drug to treat something that's covered and that it's prescribed in a medically appropriate way.
Your healthcare provider can request prior approval electronically, by fax, or by mail. The full list of drugs that need prior approval, along with the necessary forms and additional information, can be downloaded from the website.
You should check with your healthcare provider to see if any of your prescription drugs or supplies require prior approval. This will help ensure that you get the necessary approval and can receive your medication without any issues.
For your interest: Bcbs Provider
Equivalents for Unlisted Drugs
If you're taking a medication that's not covered on your drug list, don't worry, there are alternatives available.
You can see a list of what's not covered and available alternative options for FEP Blue Standard and FEP Blue Basic.
If you're a FEP Blue Focus member, you can apply for coverage of a drug not covered on your drug list with the Non-Formulary Exception Process (NFE) form.
Intriguing read: Bcbs Drug List 2024
Medicare and Prescription Drugs
As a Medicare beneficiary, understanding your prescription drug coverage is crucial. Eligible members with Medicare get lower out-of-pocket costs for higher cost drugs and additional approved prescription drugs in some tiers than the traditional pharmacy benefit.
The FEP Medicare Prescription Drug Program (MPDP) has an annual pharmacy out-of-pocket maximum of $2,000 per member, separate from the medical out-of-pocket maximum. This means you'll pay a maximum of $2,000 for covered prescription drugs each year.
Under FEP Blue Basic, you'll pay a maximum of $3,250 per member for prescription drugs annually. Your costs for prescription drugs may be lower if Medicare is your primary coverage.
Here's a breakdown of what you'll pay for a 30-day supply of covered drugs under FEP Blue Basic:
Medicare Prescription Drug
The FEP Medicare Prescription Drug Program (MPDP) offers lower out-of-pocket costs for higher cost drugs and additional approved prescription drugs in some tiers than the traditional pharmacy benefit.
Eligible members get a lower annual pharmacy out-of-pocket maximum of $2,000 per member, which is separate from the medical out-of-pocket maximum.
There are three plans to choose from: FEP Blue Focus with MPDP, FEP Blue Basic with MPDP, and FEP Blue Standard with MPDP.
Here's a breakdown of what you'll pay for a 30-day supply of covered drugs:
Some prescription drugs and supplies need prior approval when using your pharmacy benefits. Your healthcare provider can request prior approval electronically, by fax, or by mail.
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Blue Basic with Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
Blue Basic with Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage is a great option for those with Medicare. You'll get lower out-of-pocket costs for higher cost drugs and additional approved prescription drugs in some tiers than the traditional pharmacy benefit.
The annual pharmacy out-of-pocket maximum is $3,250 per member, which is separate from the medical out-of-pocket maximum. This means you won't have to worry about accumulating costs from both your pharmacy and medical expenses.
You can choose between Preferred Retail Pharmacy and Mail Service Pharmacy for your prescription drugs. At the Preferred Retail Pharmacy, you'll pay $15 for Tier 1 (Generics) and $60 for Tier 2 (Preferred brand) for a 30-day supply.
A fresh viewpoint: Bcbs Fep Medical Policy
Here's a breakdown of the costs at the Preferred Retail Pharmacy:
At the Mail Service Pharmacy, you'll pay $15 for Tier 1 (Generics), $95 for Tier 2 (Preferred brand), and $125 for Tier 3 (Non-preferred brand) for a 30-day supply.
You can earn up to $800 back with a Medicare Reimbursement Account if you have Medicare Part A and Part B. This is a great incentive to consider Blue Basic with Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage.
Plan Information
The FEP Blue plans are a great option for federal employees looking for health insurance. Our AskBlue FEP Medical Plan Finder tool can help you select the right plan for your needs.
You can choose from three different FEP Blue plans: FEP Blue Focus, FEP Blue Basic, and FEP Blue Standard. Each plan has its own unique features and costs.
The costs for each plan vary depending on whether you're enrolling as an individual, with one person, or with your family. Here's a breakdown of the costs for each plan:
You'll also notice that each plan has a unique identifier, such as 35A or 33D. These identifiers are used to specify the plan you're enrolling in.
Blue Basic Plan
The Blue Basic Plan is a great option for those looking for a comprehensive health insurance plan. It offers a range of benefits, including preventive care, physician care, and prescription drug coverage.
Preventive care is covered at no cost, and you'll only pay a copay for services like primary care, specialists, and mental health visits, which is $35, $45, and $35 respectively.
Virtual doctor visits through Teladoc are also available, with the first two visits and all nutrition visits costing nothing, and additional visits costing $15.
Urgent care centers have a $35 copay, and prescription drugs have varying copays depending on the tier and pharmacy you use.
Here's a breakdown of the prescription drug copays for the Blue Basic Plan:
The out-of-pocket maximum for prescription drugs is $3,250 per member, and costs may be lower if Medicare is your primary coverage.
It's worth noting that benefits are not available for services performed by Non-preferred providers, except in certain situations like emergency care.
Standard Generic Incentive
As a FEP Blue Standard member, you have a great opportunity to save money on your prescriptions. You can switch to a generic medication and have your cost share waived for your first four prescription fills or refills.
This program is called the Standard Option Generic Incentive Program, and it's designed to help you save money on your prescription costs. You can view and download the Generic Incentive Program Drug List to see if there's an alternative generic drug that can treat your condition.
Switching to a generic medication can be a great way to save money, and with this program, you can get started right away.
For another approach, see: Bcbs Fep Standard Brochure
Ongoing Issues and Concerns
Despite the updated guideline, BCBS FEP administrators are still inconsistently implementing the policy and not providing clear guidance on the new process.
Audiologists are experiencing automatic denials for hearing aids when a patient's hearing loss is 40 dB or less without individual review.
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There is a concerning lack of information on prior approval protocol from each BCBS FEP administrator, leaving audiologists scrambling to help their clients.
ASHA has sent a letter to the national BCBS FEP to clarify the nuances of the hearing aid policy and is seeking support from the federal government's Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to ensure proper implementation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new FEP drug plan in 2024?
Eligible members with Medicare Part A and/or Part B can access additional approved prescription drugs at lower costs through the FEP Medicare Prescription Drug Program, with no change in premium
Sources
- https://www.bcbs.com/about-us/association-news/blue-cross-and-blue-shield-federal-employee-program-continues-commitment
- https://www.fepblue.org/pharmacy/prescriptions
- https://www.asha.org/news/2024/clarifying-the-bcbs-fep-hearing-aid-policy/
- https://www.fepblue.org/our-plans/how-to-enroll
- https://www.fepblue.org/our-plans/basic-chart
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