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Medicare benefit comparison

A look at how Priority Health Medicare benefits compare to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan's (BCBSM) Medicare benefits for MPSERS retirees. (Effective January 1, 2012)

Health care benefit Priority Health
888 389-6648
BCBSM
800 422-9146
Annual deductibles  None $500 individual* 
Office calls
  • $15 copay for PCP
  • $30 copay for specialists, no referral required
 10% coinsurance after deductible
Routine physical exams $0 copay for PCP Not covered
Routine Pap smears Covered in full Covered in full
Routine mammograms Covered in full Covered in full
Allergy testing and treatment Included in office visit 10% coinsurance after deductible
Chiropractic visits $20 copay for manual manipulations of the spine only to correct subluxation 10% coinsurance after deductible
Hospital - inpatient care 10% coinsurance 10% coinsurance, in-network, after deductible 
Hospital - outpatient care (including diagnostic services) 10% coinsurance 10% coinsurance after deductible
Medical/surgical care (including surgery, anesthesia, technical surgical assistance) 10% coinsurance 10% coinsurance after deductible
Emergency medical care
  • $65 copay (waived if admitted)
  • Worldwide coverage
$50 copay (waived if admitted)
Urgent medical care
  • $45 copay
  • Worldwide coverage
10% coinsurance after deductible
Care outside Michigan
  • Covered for urgent care and emergencies, same as in Michigan
  • Most other services covered at 70% after $300 deductible up to $500 maximum
  • Same in U.S.
  • Outside U.S., member pays for service up front and BCBSM will reimburse member
Care outside the network in Michigan
  • Covered for urgent care and emergencies, same as in-network
  • Most other services covered at 70% after $300 deductible up to $500 maximum
Same as in-network
Home health care Covered in full Covered in full
Skilled nursing facility No copay. 100 days (can be renewed). 10% coinsurance after deductible; 100 days
Hospice Original Medicare covers care obtained in Medicare-certified hospice Original Medicare covers care obtained in Medicare-certified hospice
Outpatient mental health services $15 copay 10% coinsurance after deductible
Prescription drugs
  • Generic: $10 copay
  • Preferred brand: $40 copay
  • Non-preferred brand: $70 copay
  • Specialty medications: 20% coinsurance, maximum $100 per prescription 
  • Up to 3-month supply available for 2 copays through mail pharmacy service. Use of mail pharmacy service is not required.
  • 20% copay
  • $7 min/$36 max retail pharmacy (1-month supply); $17.50 min/$90 max (3-month supply); additional charge on maintenance drug on or after the 4th refill if not purchased at most cost effective venue
  • $1,000* individual drug copay max for prescriptions on the formulary; 40% out-of-pocket for non-formulary drugs
Durable medical equipment supplier 20% coinsurance
  • Covered in full in-network (DMEnsions)
  • Out-of-network (non-DMEnsions) 20% coinsurance of the cost
Hearing benefits
  • Hearing and audiometric exams covered in full every 36 months.
  • Hearing aid covered in full up to $1,000 per aid every three years.

10% coinsurance after deductible

Out-of-pocket maximum
  • $500 in-network
  • $500 travel benefit
$900 individual*

This comparison is only a summary. For a complete list of plan details, contact Priority Health or BCBSM. Benefit levels are subject to change.

*Members enrolled in a Living Well program have the opportunity to reduce these out-of-pocket maximums.
Last modified: 4/24/2012
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