Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage Plans Review
BCBS offers a variety of HMO, PPO, and SNP plans in most states across the U.S.
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Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Medicare Advantage plans are available in 49 states, including Washington, D.C., as well as Puerto Rico and offer different plan types, like HMOs, PPOs, and SNPs. These plans are great options if you’re looking for one that’s cost-effective with additional perks and benefits.
Our team spent over 50 hours researching BCBS plans, speaking with customer service, and comparing plans to competitors. Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect to pay each month, an overview of which Medicare Advantage plan types BCBS offers, which supplemental benefits you may receive, and where these plans are offered throughout the U.S.
Pros About Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage
- Vision, hearing, dental, and prescription drug coverage generally included
- Nationwide coverage in 49 states (plus Puerto Rico)
- Numerous plan types to choose from
- Supplemental benefits as well as the Blue365 discount program available with some plans
- SilverSneakers membership
- Many preventative services at $0 copay
Cons About Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage
- Varying levels of customer service quality depending on location and affiliates
- Prescription drug coverage not offered on all Medicare Advantage plans
- Fewer SNP plans compared to other carriers
Available Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage Plans
Blue Cross Blue Shield has 33 independent, community-based and locally operated health insurance companies.1 BCBS offers a variety of HMO and PPO options to choose from, plus a few SNP and PFFS plans. Depending on which plan you choose, you may have access to supplemental benefits like transportation, telehealth, and meal delivery.
HMO
BCBS offers health maintenance organization (HMO) plans, in which you’ll need to choose from a specific network of doctors and hospitals. These HMO plans generally require you to obtain a referral from your primary doctor to see a specialist. Additionally, out-of-network benefits are typically limited to emergency or urgent care.
You may also have the option of choosing an HMO-POS plan, through which you can receive out-of-network services, but you’ll have to pay more.
PPO
If provided in your area of residence, preferred provider organization (PPO) plans offer more freedom than HMOs, so you can visit any provider in the network. Moreover, you might not need a referral to see a specialist or pick a primary doctor. You’re welcome to seek out-of-network care, but it may be more expensive with a PPO plan.
Quick Tip: Visit this year’s guide to Medicare enrollment for more details on signing up for a Medicare Advantage plan.
D-SNP
In certain locations, you may be able to access dual special needs plans (D-SNPs). To be eligible for this plan, you must be eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. A D-SNP may be an option if you have a low income or are older than 65 and/or disabled. Keep in mind that D-SNP eligibility varies by state. These benefits cover all of Original Medicare as well as additional services and support if you have more complex needs.
PFFS
BCBS also offers private fee-for-service (PFFS) plans, so you can see any Medicare-approved carrier who accepts your plan. A PFFS may be for you if you prefer to choose your doctor or specialist wherever you go.
SNP
Special needs plans, or SNPs, are provided for patients with certain conditions and provide more coverage, including prescription drug coverage. An SNP is a great choice if you have a specific disease or condition, as the benefits, network, and drug formularies are tailored to your needs. BCBS offers three types of SNP plans:
- Chronic condition: If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, congestive heart failure, or cardiovascular disease, this plan is designed to suit your needs.
- Dual-eligible: You’re eligible for this plan if you have Medicare and qualify for assistance from a Medicaid program.
- Institutional: This plan is a great choice if you live in a BCBS network nursing home or assisted living community.
Extra Perks and Benefits
For those on a budget, BCBS offers a select menu of extra perks and benefits, such as discounts and rewards, virtual visits, chronic condition management, and fitness memberships. If your plan offers the MyBlue Concierge program, you’ll have a dedicated member to help you schedule appointments, contact BCBS customer service, and reach a care management team if you have a chronic condition. Virtual well-being weekly webinars are live so you can stay up-to-date on how to best improve your health. Advantage dollars work on a preloaded debit card that you can use to purchase healthy foods or over-the-counter items like vitamins or allergy products.
>> Further Reading: Blue Cross Blue Shield and Senior Care Coverage
How Much Do Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage Plans Cost?
With a BCBS Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll continue paying your Part B premium ($185 as of 2025) and possibly a separate Medicare Advantage premium. It’s very important to consider the plan’s premium. BCBS offers a plan with a $0 premium in 47 states and Puerto Rico, but premiums in some locations could cost more than $300 per month. If you have an SNP, premiums may be $0 while others may charge higher amounts. Overall, the plan cost will depend on your geographic location and health needs.
There are also a few out-of-pocket expenses to consider:
- If the plan covers any portion of your monthly Part B premium
- If the plan has a yearly or drug deductible
- Any copayments and/or coinsurance per visit or service
- If the plan has in- and out-of-network out-of-pocket maximums
- If your health care providers are in-network or out-of-network, and how often you see them for care
Where Are Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage Plans Available?
Blue Cross Blue Shield is the third-largest Medicare Advantage carrier in the country, with plans in more than 2,000 counties across 49 states and Puerto Rico.
Pro Tip: If this is your first time choosing a Medicare Advantage plan, check out our guide to Medicare Advantage and our top picks for the best Medicare Advantage plans.
Reviews and Ratings
It’s always a good idea to read reviews and ratings from trusted sources when shopping for a Medicare Advantage plan to evaluate the company’s reputation, customer satisfaction ratings, and other important criteria.
- AM Best: While not all BCBS affiliates are AM Best-rated, those that are range between A and B++, indicating the carrier is well positioned to meet its financial obligations.
- NCQA: Basing ranks on customer satisfaction, BCBS affiliates received between a 2.5 to 4.5 score out of 5.
- CMS: BCBS received 3.9 out of 5 points based on customer satisfaction.
FYI: Still deciding between a Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan? Check out our Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap page to compare plans.
Customer Service
If you need to reach a BCBS customer service representative, you can call (888) 630-2583 or the toll-free number on the back of your member ID card. Use the BCBS website to file claims, request a new member ID, and estimate costs. Keep in mind that hours of operation depend on plan type.
BCBS vs. the Competition
There are several carriers who offer Medicare Advantage plans. For context, UnitedHealthcare and Humana sold the most Advantage plans in 2024.2 Here’s a look at how BCBS compares to other popular carriers.
BCBS vs. Aetna
Aetna Medicare Advantage has coverage in 36 states and offers a 24/7 nurse hotline. They offer a variety of plans with low premiums and deductibles. Their PPO and HMO plans offer affordable walk-in clinic access thanks to their affiliation with CVS Minute Clinic.
Did You Know? More than half (54 percent) of eligible Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans in 2024.3 The average beneficiary looking for Medicare Advantage plans has 42 options in 2025, compared to 43 options in both 2023 and 2024.4
BCBS vs. Anthem
Anthem Medicare Advantage has coverage in only 14 states. Anthem offers several special needs plans and many have a $0 or low monthly premium and a $0 deductible. However, they have no PFFS plans. Among their many benefits is a personal emergency response system (PERS).
BCBS vs. Humana
Humana Medicare Advantage has coverage in all 50 states and is available in the most counties of any Medicare Advantage carrier. Humana only offers four plan types, and many of their plans include Part D coverage. Humana has $0 premium options like BCBS, and both carriers offer similar health and wellness perks.
Our Methodology
Our team of experts used multiple criteria to evaluate Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Medicare Advantage plans. We spent over 50 hours researching, comparing plans, and speaking with customer service. We examined carrier reputation, types of plans and benefits, perks, and premium costs. Below is some of the most important criteria we considered:
- Monthly premiums: We considered premium costs, total out-of-pocket costs, in-network vs. out-of-network costs, deductibles, plan type, flexibility, restrictions, and more. Then, we compared those costs to other carriers.
- Features and availability: We looked at what is included in various plan types, such as vision and prescription drug coverage, as well as what is excluded. We also looked at availability of plans nationwide in comparison to other carriers.
- Customer service: Having access to customer service is important when you have questions or need assistance. We looked at ease of contact, availability, friendliness, customer reviews, and support.
- Additional perks: We evaluated whether carriers offered any additional discounts or perks like meal delivery, transportation services, telehealth services and wellness programs.
Final Thoughts on Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage Plans
Overall, Blue Cross Blue Shield is an excellent choice for Medicare Advantage plans. Just remember that if you’re looking for an SNP, BCBS doesn’t offer as many options as other carriers. However, coverage is widely accepted, customer service is exceptional, there are a variety of plan options, and the additional perks and benefits are substantial.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is a Medicare Advantage Plan?
Medicare Advantage plans are private health insurance options, including HMOs and PPOs, that are offered by insurers that contract with Medicare to provide coverage for beneficiaries.
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Is BCBS a good company for Medicare Advantage plans?
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans are rated at about the industry average and can be a great choice with extra benefits.
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How do I find out if my doctor is in a Medicare Advantage plan network?
Visit your plan’s website and search the provider directory, or contact your provider directly to ask them if they participate in Medicare Advantage plans from your carrier.
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Can I receive extra benefits from a Medicare Advantage plan that I wouldn’t have with traditional Medicare?
Yes, you may find plans with extra benefits not offered in traditional Medicare, like dental coverage, a fitness benefit, or meal delivery services.
BCBS. (2025). About Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
MedicalNewsToday (2025). Medicare Advantage Plans: Who Offers Them?
KFF. (2024). Medicare Advantage in 2024: Enrollment Update and Key Trends.
KFF. (2025). Medicare Advantage 2025 Spotlight: A First Look at Plan Offerings.