[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by 60North

Thanks for the three replies so far. Further clarification for my situation - Yes, I currently have BC/BS Standard option Self+1 and Medicare Part A. My wife is a few years younger and won't be eligible for Medicare for another 5 years.
Both of us very active and in good health.

At this point I plan on keeping the BC/BS Standard Option and Part A. But it appears the BC/BS Basic option and Part A/B may be significantly less expensive.

Standard Option - $608/month, $7300/year Catastrophic Limit $5000,year

Basic Option - $$410/month, $4,900/yr, + Part B $1728/year, minus BC/BS Reimbursement $800/year, Total $5,800/year, Catastrophic Limit $5,500/ year, with Part B.

With Basic save approximately $1,500/year in premium costs.

Granted with Basic, you MUST use preferred providers, but those seem to be numerous; even with Standard your reimbursement is reduced when you do not use a preferred provider. My understanding, if you use the Basic Option and Part B, you have greatly reduced out-of-pocket expenses. Is this correct? What am I missing/not considering?

I agree with your plan. It wouldn't work for me because my Part B premium would be too high. You won't have any trouble finding preferred providers using the Blue Cross basic plan. The standard plan would not be worth the extra cost.