Blue Medicare Freedom+℠ (PPO)

About the plan

Blue Medicare Freedom+ is a Medicare Advantage plan designed to work with federal retiree health benefits. Anyone eligible for Medicare can enroll in Blue Medicare Freedom+, but the plan provides the most benefit to members of the Federal Employee Health Benefit (FEHB) Program who are retired from federal service.¹ If you currently have Original Medicare, Blue Medicare Freedom+ can replace Original Medicare Parts A and B to give you extra benefits with no additional premium.²

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How it works with federal retiree benefits

When you use your benefits, your Blue Medicare Freedom+ plan will pay first. Your federal retiree coverage comes in second to help cover some of the remaining costs.³ In many cases, you will have no out-of-pocket costs.

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Are you a Federal retiree? Blue cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina has a Medicare plan for you. Blue Medicare Freedom Plus is a Medicare Advantage plan that works with your federal retiree benefits to give you more benefits than Original Medicare for no additional cost. Let’s take a look at how it works.

Meet Mike and Kim. They’re federal retirees who are each enrolled in Blue Medicare Freedom Plus. Mike has a cold and is headed to the doctor. His doctor is in network for Blue Medicare Freedom Plus and his federal retiree benefits. When he arrives, he shows the receptionist his ID cards for both plans. This is because his plans work together to get him the greatest savings. His Blue Medicare Freedom Plus plan will pay first, and his federal retiree plan will pick up the rest in most situations. At home, Mike will get two EOBs, or explanation of benefits, one for each plan, which paints the total picture of his savings.

Now let’s check in with Kim. Kim sees her in-network physical therapist twice a week. Her federal retiree benefits only cover a certain number of visits per year. After that, Kim is responsible for the full cost of each visit. Fortunately Kim has Blue Medicare Freedom Plus. Instead of paying for those extra visits out-of-pocket, Kim only pays her Blue Medicare Freedom Plus copay for each visit not covered by her federal retiree plan. Mike and Kim also have a little more money in their pockets than if they had Original Medicare.

Because Mike and Kim chose Blue Medicare Freedom Plus, they each receive a portion of their Part B premium back each month. This Part B giveback means big savings not offered by Original Medicare. And when combined with their federal retiree giveback, they can save even more up to the total amount of their Part B premium. At first, Mike and Kim thought it was too good to be true that for no added cost, they could get more benefits and even more savings each month. But now they’re enjoying all of that, plus additional benefits that come with being a Blue Medicare Advantage member. To learn more about how you too can get more benefits and more savings with Blue Medicare Freedom Plus, visit us online or contact your authorized independent agent today.

Learn How it Works (PDF)(PDF)

What’s included

Part B premium reduction

The Part B premium reduction, or “giveback,” contributes $100 per month toward your Medicare Part B premium.⁴

$0 copays

Visit in-network primary care providers or specialists for $0.⁵

Non-emergency medical transportation

SafeRide^SM Health makes it easy to get to and from doctor appointments, dental visits and your pharmacy. SafeRide matches you with the transportation type that meets your needs, including wheelchair accessible vans and non-emergency ambulances. You can book in advance or up to two hours before your appointment. This benefit includes 12 non-emergency, one-way rides per year.

Skilled nursing facility benefit

For additional care when you need it.

Support for family caregivers

Live support and online resources for those caring for their loved ones.

Meals benefit

A post-discharge meal program offering two meals per day for 14 days.

In-Home Support Services

The CareLinx network of pre-screened, caregivers is here to help you with non-medical activities of daily living, such as bathing, toileting, mobility and respite care. Within one to two weeks, you’ll be matched with candidates who meet your needs. This benefit includes 60 hours per year of in-home support services with a minimum of two hours per visit.

PPO travel program

The Blue Medicare PPO℠ travel program allows Blue Medicare PPO members to use the networks of participating Blue Cross and / or Blue Shield Medicare Advantage PPO plans across the country, so you can easily find an in-network doctor or facility when you’re traveling.

Personal emergency response system

Receive a wearable device that will connect you with a call center that will get you the emergency services you need. Most devices also include fall detection, GPS tracking, and an app to alert family or caregivers.

Fitness

SilverSneakers^® is more than a traditional fitness program. It’s a way to improve your health and live the life you want. Plus, it’s included at no additional cost in your health plan. With SilverSneakers you get:

Access to 20,000+ participating fitness facilities nationwide (enroll at multiple locations at any time)⁶
On-site fitness classes designed for all levels and abilities
Group activities and fitness classes outside the gym

Plus, with SilverSneakers online platform, you have 24/7 access to live and on-demand fitness videos. Available when you want, and where you want.⁷

Blue FlexCard

Throughout the year, you will have opportunities to earn rewards for completing specific healthy activities. When you earn those rewards they will be available to use at select stores using your Blue FlexCard.

Learn More

Benefits at-a-glance

Note: This information is not a complete description of benefits.
Call 888-790-6412 (TTY: 711) for more information.

January 22

In-network benefits		WITH Federal Retiree benefits*	WITHOUT Federal Retiree benefits**
Monthly premium:***		$0	$0
Annual Part B premium reduction:		Up to $1,200 yearly†	Up to $1,200 yearly
Annual out-of-pocket maximum:		$7,500-$9,000	$9,250
Doctor visits:
Primary:		$0 copay	20% of cost
Specialist:		$0 copay	20% of cost
Outpatient services:	Outpatient hospital facility:	$0 copay	20% of cost
Outpatient services:	Ambulatory surgical center:	$0 copay	20% of cost
Inpatient care:	Inpatient hospital care:	$0 copay	$2,230 copay per stay (up to 90 days)
Inpatient care:	Inpatient mental care:	$0 copay	$2,080 copay per stay (up to 90 days)
Diagnostic services / lab / imaging: (May require prior authorization)		$0 copay	20% of cost
Ambulance services:		$0 copay	20% of cost
Emergency services:		$0 copay	$115 copay
Skilled nursing facility: (Cost share applies per day. Benefit period applied per admission.)
Days 1-20:		$0 copay	$0 copay
Days 21-30:		$0-$218 copay	$218 copay
Days 31-60:		$218 copay	$218 copay
Days 61-100:		$0 copay	$0 copay

Notes:

*These benefits are illustrative and are based on 2025 federal retiree benefits and having Medicare Advantage pay primary. Amounts reflect services from an in-network facility or provider. Out-of-network costs vary based on your federal retiree plan.

**Amounts reflect services from an in-network facility or provider. Members pay 40% for most out-of-network services.

***You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium.

† If you also receive a Part B giveback from your federal retiree benefits, you can receive both – up to, but not exceeding – the total amount of your Part B premium.

Note: This information is not a complete description of benefits. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Costs may vary based on the member’s specific federal retiree coverage. The provider network may change at any time. You’ll receive notice when necessary. Benefits, premiums, and / or copayments / coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year.

Why Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC)?

At Blue Cross NC, we know Medicare, and we know you. As a Blue Medicare^℠ member, you’ll also enjoy:

Stability

Blue Cross NC has been serving North Carolina for over 90 years.

Ease

Claims paid in an accurate and timely manner⁸and no referrals needed to see a specialist.

Access

Access to our extensive network of over 80,000 providers⁹plus virtual doctor visits from the comfort of home.

Affordability

$0 premium, $0 copays¹⁰, and predictable costs for doctor and specialist visits.

Local customer service

From Boone to Beaufort, our local Medicare Plan Experts are available to help you find the right plan for you – and stay with you during your Medicare journey.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can. Original Medicare has out-of-pocket costs and doesn’t include additional benefits. By replacing Original Medicare with Blue Medicare Freedom+, you get extra benefits without any added premium.¹¹

Once you become a member of Blue Medicare Freedom+, Blue Cross NC handles the administration of Parts A and B (Original Medicare).

Yes. With all Medicare Advantage plans, the federal government requires you to continue paying your Part B premium. The good news is, with Blue Medicare Freedom+ you’ll receive a portion of this premium back or see a reduction in your premium.⁴

Yes. Blue Medicare Freedom+ works alongside your federal retiree benefits, so it’s important you stay enrolled in your federal health plan. You’ll bring both member ID cards to your doctor visits, and get two Explanations of Benefits – one for each plan. You’ll want to check both for the total picture of your savings or what you may owe.

Yes. Anyone eligible for Medicare can enroll in Blue Medicare Freedom+. Contact Blue Cross NC or your Authorized Independent Agent to understand how Blue Medicare Freedom+ works, and if it is the best option for you.

Yes. If your spouse is retired, Blue Medicare Freedom+ will pay first and their federal retiree benefits will pay second. If your spouse is not yet retired, but you are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, your spouse’s active federal employee benefits will pay first and Blue Medicare Freedom+ will pay second. In this situation, your copays may not equal $0, as they would if your spouse was receiving federal retirement benefits.

No. All Medicare plans, including Blue Medicare Freedom+, are individual plans. Your spouse will need to enroll in their own Medicare plan.

No. Blue Medicare Freedom+ does not include Part D drug coverage.

Absolutely. The Blue Medicare Advantage network includes over 80,000 providers and facilities statewide.⁹ Find in-network doctors and pharmacies.

Yes. Because Blue Medicare Freedom+ is a PPO plan, you’ll have access to the nationwide Blue Medicare Advantage network when traveling outside North Carolina. Get information about states and territories included in the PPO Travel Program.

By phone

888-790-6412 (TTY: 711)

Hours

7 days a week: 8 AM to 8 PM ET

At a Blue Cross NC retail store

Find a licensed agent near you.

Find an Agent

Enroll online

Enroll Now

Policies & Best Practices

Fraud & Abuse Report Form

Medicare Complaint Form

Accessibility

Disclosures:

Please note that you cannot be enrolled in more than one Medicare Advantage plan. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan through any retiree coverage, check with your plan administrator before enrolling in Blue Medicare Freedom+.
The federal government requires all Medicare Advantage members to continue paying their Part B premium each month. Blue Cross NC offers a credit or reduction in this Part B premium as an additional benefit on Blue Medicare Freedom+.
If you are an active federal employee and not yet retired, your federal benefits will pay first, and Blue Medicare Freedom+ will pay second.
You must pay your own Part B premium to be eligible for the reduction. You cannot receive Medicaid or any other assistance from a health program that could potentially pay your Part B premium. If you also receive a Part B giveback from a secondary plan, you can receive both reductions up to – but not exceeding – the total amount of your Part B premium. Please note: It may take up to two months to receive your first reduction. (You’ll receive both reductions in your first check/reduction.) Depending on how your pay your Part B premium, you’ll see this reduction as a credit in your check or pension from Social Security, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management or the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board, or as a reduction in your Part B premium bill.
$0 copay when in-network for both Blue Medicare Freedom+ and federal retiree coverage, and Blue Medicare Freedom+ pays primary.
Source: https://tools.silversneakers.com/Learn/HowItWorks (Accessed July 2025).
Participating Locations (PL) are not owned or operated by Tivity Health, Inc. or its affiliates and use of PL facilities is limited to their terms and conditions of basic membership. Inclusion of specific PLs is not guaranteed and their facilities may vary.
Blue Cross NC Internal data, SMA Metric Report June 2024.
Blue Cross NC Internal data, May 2025.
Visit in-network primary care providers or specialists for $0 when you're in-network for both Blue Medicare Freedom+ and your federal retiree coverage, and Blue Medicare Freedom+ pays primary.
You are still required by the federal government to pay your Part B premium when enrolled in any Medicare Advantage plan; however, with Blue Medicare Freedom+ you may be eligible to receive a portion of your Part B premium back each month as a credit or reduction. See the plan for more details.

Blue Cross NC contracts with independent companies to provide supplemental benefits. Those companies are responsible for the services they provide. They do not provide Blue Cross or Blue Shield products or services. All other marks and names are property of their respective owners.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina depends on contract renewal.

Y0079_14164_M_2026 CMS Accepted 09302025; U38542, 9/25

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in its health programs and activities. Learn more about our non-discrimination policy and no-cost services available to you.

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^© 2026 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. ^®, SM are marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. All other marks and names are property of their respective owners. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.