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Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage 2024-2025 Review
Blue Cross Blue Shield is a network of 33 independent providers with widely available Medicare Advantage plans, but satisfaction varies by company.
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Kate Ashford, CSA® Lead Writer | Medicare, retirement, personal finance
Kate Ashford is a writer and NerdWallet authority on Medicare. She is a certified senior advisor (CSA)® and has more than 20 years of experience writing about personal finance. Previously, she was a freelance writer for both consumer and business publications, and her work has been published by the BBC, Forbes, Money, AARP, LearnVest and Parents, among others. She has a degree from the University of Virginia and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism. Kate has appeared as a Medicare expert on the PennyWise podcast by Lee Enterprises, and she's been quoted in national publications including Healthline, Real Simple and SingleCare. She is based in New York.
Holly Carey joined NerdWallet in 2021 as an editor on the team responsible for expanding content to additional topics within personal finance. She currently leads the Medicare team. Previously, Holly wrote and edited content and developed digital media strategies as a public affairs officer for the U.S. Navy. She is based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
The bottom line: Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans vary by company, and BCBS includes a network of 33 companies around the country. It's important to check star ratings and benefits for the BCBS provider near you.
Jump to:Full Review
Blue Cross Blue Shield
3.96
CMS Star RatingAverage Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
We will match you with Medicare companies and offers based on the information you provide us. If you prefer to speak to a licensed insurance agent right away, please call the number listed below.
M-F 8am-10pm EST, Sa-Su 9am-9pm EST
Speak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.org
M-F 8am-10pm EST, Sa-Su 9am-9pm EST
Speak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.org
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage pros and cons
Pros
Accessible plans: With BCBS companies providing Medicare Advantage plans in 48 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, there’s a good chance you have access to a plan from a BCBS insurer.
Low prices: BCBS companies offer plans with $0 premiums in 47 states and Puerto Rico.
Cash for extras: Some plans offer an allowance each quarter on a preloaded debit card that members may use for food or over-the-counter items, such as vitamins.
Cons
Company strength varies: While some BCBS companies land above the industry average in some major Medicare markets in terms of member satisfaction, others don't score as many points in J.D. Power’s latest Medicare Advantage study. Depending on your location, you may not have access to a higher-rated Blue Cross Blue Shield company.
Limited special needs plans: BCBS companies offer SNPs in only two-thirds of U.S. states.
Compare against other providers
UnitedHealthcare
3.93
CMS Star RatingAverage Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
CMS Star RatingAverage Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
We will connect you with Medicare companies based on the information you provide. They will help you find a plan that suits your needs. If you prefer to speak to a licensed insurance agent right away, please call the number listed below.
M-F 8am-10pm EST, Sa-Su 9am-9pm EST
Speak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.org
M-F 8am-10pm EST, Sa-Su 9am-9pm EST
Speak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.org
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
CMS Star RatingAverage Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
We will connect you with Medicare companies based on the information you provide. They will help you find a plan that suits your needs. If you prefer to speak to a licensed insurance agent right away, please call the number listed below.
M-F 8am-10pm EST, Sa-Su 9am-9pm EST
Speak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.org
M-F 8am-10pm EST, Sa-Su 9am-9pm EST
Speak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.org
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
CMS Star RatingAverage Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
We will connect you with Medicare companies based on the information you provide. They will help you find a plan that suits your needs. If you prefer to speak to a licensed insurance agent right away, please call the number listed below.
M-F 8am-10pm EST, Sa-Su 9am-9pm EST
Speak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.org
M-F 8am-10pm EST, Sa-Su 9am-9pm EST
Speak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.org
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
CMS Star RatingAverage Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
CMS Star RatingAverage Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
We will connect you with Medicare companies based on the information you provide. They will help you find a plan that suits your needs. If you prefer to speak to a licensed insurance agent right away, please call the number listed below.
M-F 8am-10pm EST, Sa-Su 9am-9pm EST
Speak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.org
M-F 8am-10pm EST, Sa-Su 9am-9pm EST
Speak to a licensed insurance agent on askchapter.org
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
NerdWallet’s Medicare content, including articles, reviews and recommendations, is produced by a team of writers and editors who specialize in Medicare. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, Washington Post, Nasdaq, MSN, MarketWatch, Yahoo! Finance and other national and regional media outlets. They have been cited in publications including Healthline, and appeared on NerdWallet's "Smart Money" podcast.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage star ratings
Average star rating, weighted by enrollment: 3.96
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans are rated at about the industry average, getting an average rating of 3.96 stars out of 5 from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for 2025, weighted by enrollment. For comparison, the average weighted star rating for all plans is 3.92
Of Blue Cross Blue Shield’s rated plans, 48% are rated 4 stars and up. Of Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Medicare Advantage members who are in rated plans, 58% are in plans that are rated 4 stars or higher for the 2025 plan year
CMS maintains its own database of star ratings on every Medicare Advantage and separate Medicare Part D plan, ranging from best (5 stars) to worst (1 star). The agency bases these ratings on plans’ quality of care and measurements of customer satisfaction, and ratings may change from year to year.
. You'll also be responsible for paying your Medicare Part B premium, which is at least $174.70 per month in 2024 ($185 in 2025).
(Most people pay this standard amount, but if your income is above a certain threshold, you’ll pay the income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA). Some Medicare Advantage plans cover part or all of your Part B premium.)
Requirements for copays, coinsurance and deductibles vary depending on your plan, location and the services you use. Other out-of-pocket costs to consider include:
Whether the plan covers any part of your monthly Medicare Part B premium.
The plan’s deductibles.
Copayments and/or coinsurance for each visit or service. For instance, there may be a $10 copay for seeing your primary doctor and a $45 copay for seeing a specialist.
The plan’s in-network and out-of-network out-of-pocket maximums.
Whether your medical providers are in-network or out-of-network, or how often you may go out of network for care.
Whether you require extra benefits, and if the plan charges for them.
Here are examples of BCBS Medicare Advantage costs for the most popular plans in a mid-range city:
BCBS Medicare Advantage plan
Pricing
Medicare Plus Blue PPO Essential
Monthly premium: $0.
Deductible: None.
Out-of-pocket max: $6,250.
Copays:
Primary care: $0.
Specialist: $45.
Emergency care: $125.
Inpatient hospital: $420.*
Dental allowance: $1,500.
BCN Advantage Prime Value HMO-POS
Monthly premium: $0.
Deductible: $0 in-network.
Out-of-pocket max: $4,200.
Copays:
Primary care: $0.
Specialist: $35.
Emergency care: $125.
Inpatient hospital: $300.*
Dental allowance: $1,500.
Medicare Plus Blue PPO Signature
Monthly premium: $112.
Deductible: None.
Out-of-pocket max: $4,700 in-network.
Copays:
Primary care: $0.
Specialist: $30.
Emergency care: $125.
Inpatient hospital: $175.*
Dental allowance: $1,500.
Selected plans are available in ZIP code 66013.
*Inpatient hospital copay is per day for days 1-7.
To get a sense of costs, use Medicare's plan finding tool to compare information among available plans in your area. You can select by insurance carrier to see only Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, or compare across carriers.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plan types
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans as well as stand-alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans without drug coverage.
Plan offerings include the following types:
HMO plans
A health maintenance organization (HMO) generally requires that you use a specific network of doctors and hospitals. You may need a referral from your primary doctor in order to see a specialist, and out-of-network benefits are usually very limited.
HMO-POS plans
HMO point of service (POS) plans are HMO plans that allow members to get some out-of-network services, but they’ll pay more for those services.
PPO plans
Preferred provider organization (PPO) plans provide the most freedom, allowing you to see any provider that accepts the insurance. You may not need to choose a primary doctor, and you don’t need referrals to see specialists. You can seek out-of-network care, although it may cost more than seeing an in-network doctor.
PFFS plans
Blue Cross Blue Shield’s private fee-for-service (PFFS) plans allow you to see any Medicare-approved provider who accepts your Blue Cross Blue Shield plan. You won’t have to pick a primary doctor, and you won’t need a referral to see a specialist.
SNPs
Special needs plans (SNPs) restrict membership to people with certain diseases or characteristics. Hence, the benefits, network and drug formularies are tailored to the needs of those members. Blue Cross Blue Shield offers three types of SNPs:
Chronic Condition SNP: Designed to meet the needs of members living with certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes, congestive heart failure and cardiovascular disease.
Dual-Eligible SNP: For people who are entitled to Medicare and who also qualify for assistance from a state Medicaid program.
Institutional SNP: For people living in a BCBS network nursing home or assisted living community, or another plan-approved spot.
Third-party ratings
AM Best
Financial Strength Rating: A+ (Superior) to B (Fair)
AM Best is a credit rating agency that specializes in the insurance industry. Because Blue Cross Blue Shield is a collection of companies, AM Best has rated some — but not all — Blue Cross firms.
As of Sept. 27, 2024, AM Best affirmed the following ratings for Blue Cross Blue Shield companies
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi, A Mutual Insurance Company
A (Excellent).
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
A+ (Superior)*.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, Inc.
A (Excellent).
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota
A- (Excellent).
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana
A+ (Superior).
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska, Inc.
A- (Excellent).
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
A+ (Superior).
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma
A+ (Superior).
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
A+ (Superior).
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont
B u (Fair)***.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Mutual Insurance Company
A (Excellent).
Blue Cross of California
A (Excellent).
Blue Cross & Blue Shield of South Carolina
A+ (Superior).
Blue Shield of California
A (Excellent).
Florida Blue
A+ (Superior).
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
A (Excellent).
Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia
A (Excellent).
Highmark Blue Shield
A (Excellent).
Premera Blue Cross
A (Excellent).
Premera Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alaska
A (Excellent).
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon
A (Excellent).
Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah
A (Excellent).
Regence BlueShield
A (Excellent).
Regence BlueShield of Idaho Inc.
A- (Excellent).
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
A (Excellent).
Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield (South Dakota)
A (Excellent).
*An A+ rating in this category indicates that AM Best believes the company has a superior ability to meet its ongoing insurance obligations.
**An A or A- rating in this category indicates that AM Best believes the company has an excellent ability to meet its ongoing insurance obligations.
***A B rating in this category indicates that AM Best believes the company has a fair ability to meet its ongoing insurance obligations and financial strength may be vulnerable to adverse changes in underwriting and economic conditions. The “u” indicates that ratings are under review.
J.D. Power
In its 2024 U.S. Medicare Advantage Study — the 10th it's done so far — J.D. Power measured member satisfaction with Medicare Advantage plans based on eight factors ranging from level of trust to how well a provider resolves problems or complaints. The study was fielded in the 10 biggest state Medicare markets, and here’s how Blue Cross Blue Shield companies ranked out of all major providers
Illinois: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is 4th out of 5.
Michigan: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is 2nd out of 4.
New York: Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is 1st out of 5.
North Carolina: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is 3rd out of 4.
Ohio: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is 1st out of 4.
Pennsylvania: Highmark is 2nd out of 7, Independence Blue Cross is 3rd out of 7.
Texas: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas is 1st out of 6.
NCQA
Score range: 2.5 to 4.5 out of 5
The National Committee for Quality Assurance, or NCQA, rates health insurance plans on a 5-point scale (with 5 being best) based on clinical quality, member satisfaction and results from the NCQA accreditation survey. The ratings highlight the results of care and what patients say about their care.
In its September 2024 ratings of Blue-branded plans, the NCQA awarded scores between 2.5 and 4.5
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage service area
Blue Cross Blue Shield offers Medicare Advantage plans in 48 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield family of companies includes Elevance Health (formerly Anthem), the fourth-largest Medicare Advantage provider in the country among for-profit health plans. Elevance captured 6% of national market share for Medicare Advantage in 2024, according to a report from health care analytics firm The Chartis Group. Nonprofit Blue companies lost 0.1% of market share, accounting for 10.1% of the national market in 2024
Blue Cross Blue Shield began as two companies — Blue Cross and Blue Shield — that offered affordable health care solutions in the early 1900s and started to come together in the 1940s. It was made official in 1982 when they formed the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, which now includes 33 independent and locally operated companies across the country. Nationwide, it provides health care coverage to 115 million members in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association has two main offices, in Chicago and Washington, D.C.
See Blue Cross Blue Shield companies available around the country.
Get more information below about some of the major Medicare Advantage providers. These insurers offer plans in most states. The plans you can choose from will depend on your ZIP code and county.
What are the plan’s costs? Do you understand what the plan’s premium, deductibles, copays and/or coinsurance will be? Can you afford them?
Is your doctor in-network? If you have a preferred medical provider or providers, make sure they participate in the plan’s network.
Are your prescriptions covered? If you’re on medication, it’s crucial to understand how the plan covers it. What tier are your prescription drugs on, and are there any coverage rules that apply to them?
Is there dental coverage? Does the plan offer routine coverage for vision, dental and hearing needs?
Are there extras? Does the plan offer any extra benefits, such as fitness memberships, transportation benefits or meal delivery?
If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).
Blue Cross Blue Shield
3.96
CMS Star RatingAverage Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
Blue Cross Blue Shield plans are widely available and affordable, but some companies earn higher marks than others on member satisfaction.
We will match you with Medicare companies and offers based on the information you provide us. If you prefer to speak to a licensed insurance agent right away, please call the number listed below.
States available
48 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Medium (50% to 84%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.43 (Average)
IS THIS PROVIDER AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
Pros
BCBS companies offer plans in 48 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.
$0-premium BCBS plans are available in 47 states and Puerto Rico.
Some BCBS companies rank well for customer satisfaction.
Cons
Ratings vary among BCBS companies, and you may not have access to a highly-rated BCBS plan.
BCBS companies offer special needs plans in only two-thirds of U.S. states.
States available
48 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico
Members in high-rated plansPercentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.
Medium (50% to 84%)
Member experienceThe average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.
3.43 (Average)
IS THIS PROVIDER AVAILABLE IN MY STATE?
Plan availability is determined by ZIP code. While a plan may be available in your state, it may not be offered in your specific county. Please verify plan availability with a licensed insurance agent.
PROS & CONS
Pros
BCBS companies offer plans in 48 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.
$0-premium BCBS plans are available in 47 states and Puerto Rico.
Some BCBS companies rank well for customer satisfaction.
Cons
Ratings vary among BCBS companies, and you may not have access to a highly-rated BCBS plan.
BCBS companies offer special needs plans in only two-thirds of U.S. states.
Medicare Advantage review methodology
The Medicare Advantage marketplace is concentrated among just a handful of companies; in many places, one insurer serves more than half of the market. NerdWallet reviewed 26 Medicare Advantage brands, with some insurers having more than one brand under their umbrella. (For example, Blue Cross Blue Shield includes the brands Anthem and Highmark.) At the national level, these reviews include nine of the 10 largest brands by enrollment. At the state level, our research includes at least one major insurer in 47 of the 49 states that offer Medicare Advantage plans, and includes the top two insurers in 35 of those states. (Alaska doesn't offer Medicare Advantage plans.) We also look at online search volume to identify regional and other notable players in the space.
NerdWallet’s Medicare Advantage reviews are based on ratings data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, as well as pricing, plan availability by state, plan types available, consumer experience, extra benefits offered and more. These reviews are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several plans to find the best coverage and rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines for additional information.