Forum Discussion

PandS's avatar
PandS
Explorer
Jul 16, 2016

Medicare Supplement Plans, All equally accepted on the road?

We're still 2 years from retirement and full timing, but we're researching our options for budgeting purposes. We'll have the choice of three different providers for Medicare Supplemental plans, discounted through my previous employer. All are fairly similar, with a few minor differences in co-pays and drug costs. The plans are offered by Tufts, Harvard Pilgrim, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. BCBS is a little more expensive than the other two, and does not cover vision and hearing like one of the cheaper plans.

All three insurance plans say they'll be accepted by any doctor who accepts Medicare. Have you found that to be true? Or is BCBS better known nationwide, and therefore easier to use?

24 Replies

  • My school also offers regional plans, but we wouldn't be interest in them. The three supplemental plans we'd be interested in all state that they are for people who live anywhere in the country, and will be accepted by any doctor or hospital in the country who accepts Medicare. I'm just wondering if providers out west will balk at Tufts or Harvard Pilgrim which are known in New England. Both of those plans appear to be a bit better bang for the buck than the Blue Cross Blue Shield plan offered.
  • Better check really close. Most only cover in the state or states they are licensed for. I pay extra to get anywhere coverage, and even at that, its not really very good.
  • You need to pay attention to the area coverage; whether it covers you only in your state or across the nation.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    We have BCBS but don't do much with the doctors side on the road but using WALMART for Pharmacy for the pills is great. They are all connected together through their business network so having the pills sent to WALMART Pharmacy works for us for getting refills etc They find our local pharmacy account with just click click...

    CVS Pharmacy is another store that is all over the country too...

    Roy Ken