Changes to Medicare Advantage in 2025: What You Should Know
Did you received a letter from your healthcare provider notifying you that they will no longer be in the Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Medicare Advantage network next year? Is your United Healthcare Coverage (UHC) no longer offered in Barnstable County? Here are your options.
Scenario 1: Your healthcare provider is no longer part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage network.
Option 1:
- Remain on a BCBS Medicare Advantage plan.
- If you have a BCBS HMO plan, you will need to find a new Primary Care Physician (PCP) and practice.
- If you have a BCBS PPO plan, the health center and providers will be out of network, and you will have to pay the out of network rate. Blue Cross Blue Shield will also want you to identify an in network Primary Care Physician (PCP).
- For complete details on plan costs, co-pays, and benefits, please visit Medicare.gov/plan-compare or contact the plan directly at 1-800-678-2265 or the individual plan website to confirm coverage: See Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Website for additional information.
Option 2:
- Change to another company’s Medicare Advantage plan.
- There are two other companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans in Barnstable County. All plan benefits and services may be subject to referral, prior authorization, or step therapy requirements.
- Check that all of your providers accept a plan before you enroll. IMPORTANT: For complete details on plan costs and benefits, please visit Medicare.gov/plan-compare or contact the plan directly via individual plan websites:
Option 3:
- Change to Original Medicare
- Original Medicare is composed of Part A (hospital), Part B (medical), and Part D (drug). You can also purchase a supplemental or Medigap plan to cover co-insurance or deductibles.
- Access a list of supplemental plans offered in Massachusetts HERE >>>.
- For details on Part D (drug) plans available to you go to Medicare.gov, create an account, and
search the plans.
You can make a change during Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (1/01/2025 – 03/31/2025) for coverage effective the 1st day of the following month.
Scenario 2: Your United Healthcare Coverage (UHC) is no longer being offered in Barnstable County.
Option 1: Change to another company’s Medicare Advantage plan
There are three other companies that offer Medicare Advantage plans in Barnstable County. All plan benefits and services may be subject to referral, prior authorization, or step therapy requirements. Be sure to check that all your providers accept a plan before you enroll.
IMPORTANT: For complete details on plan costs and benefits, please visit Medicare.gov/plan-compare or contact the plan directly through the individual plan websites:
Option 2: Change to Original Medicare
- Original Medicare is composed of Part A (hospital), Part B (medical), and Part D (drug). You can also purchase a supplemental or Medigap plan to cover co-insurance or deductibles.
- Access a list of supplemental plans offered in Massachusetts HERE >>>.
- For details on Part D (drug) plans available to you go to Medicare.gov, create an account, and
search the plans.
