Blue Medicare Essential (HMO) H3449-027-1 Plan Details
Blue Medicare Essential (HMO) H3449-027-1 Plan Details
Navigating your Medicare Advantage options for 2025 can be overwhelming, but we're here to help. With Blue Medicare Essential (HMO) included in your plan options, you can evaluate it alongside other plans to make an informed decision. Enroll online quickly, or consult with a licensed agent if you need assistance.
Based on May, 2025 CMS enrollment data, an estimated 4,670 Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in this plan.
Blue Medicare Essential Overview
| Plan ID H3449-027-1 Overview | |
|---|---|
| Health Plan ID: | H3449-027-1 |
| Medicare Advantage Plan Type: | HMO |
| Plan Year: | 2025 |
| Monthly Premium: | $0.00 Plus your Medicare Part B premium. |
| Health Plan Deductible: | $0.00 |
| Annual Out-of-Pocket Maximum: | $8,300.00 (In-Network) |
| Part B Give Back: | $0.00/mo |
| Part D Drug Plan Benefit: | Enhanced, $590.00 deductible |
| Additional Benefits: | Dental, Vision, Hearing |
| Availability: | See List |
| Insured By: | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina |
Plan Availability
Blue Medicare Essential (H3449-027-1) is available in the following locations (click to open):
Explore the Benefits of Blue Medicare Essential
Blue Medicare Essential is a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan that combines hospital, medical, and drug coverage into one streamlined option. With a monthly premium of $0.00, it includes all benefits under Medicare Part A and Part B, along with built-in prescription drug coverage. The annual Part D deductible is $590.00. You’ll typically need to use doctors and providers in the plan’s network, except for emergency situations.
Primary care visits have a $5 copay, specialist visits come with a $45 copay, urgent care services carry a $45 copay, and ambulance transportation is $275 copay. These costs all apply toward the plan’s maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limit of $8,300.00 . Once that limit is met, all in-network healthcare services are fully covered for the rest of the year. That’s a major plus for those who want both medical and drug coverage bundled into one predictable package.
This plan is listed by CMS as H3449-027-1. You’ll find a summary of its cost sharing below, including what you can expect to pay for primary care, specialists, urgent care, and more. Still have questions? Check the FAQ section for more details.
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Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Blue Medicare Essential has cost-sharing, meaning you'll have out-of-pocket costs when using approved healthcare services. The table below details the most common in-network out-of-pocket expenses for plan H3449-027-1.
Find out the costs for visiting your primary care doctor and specialists, as well as coverage for wellness and preventive programs.
| Service | Enrollee Cost (in-network) |
|---|---|
| Primary: | $5 Copay |
| Specialist: | $45 Copay |
Review the costs for emergency services, urgent care, ambulance services, inpatient hospital stays, and skilled nursing facility care.
| Service | Enrollee Cost |
|---|---|
| Emergency room care: | $100 Copay |
| Urgent care: | $45 Copay |
| Ground ambulance: | $275 Copay |
| Inpatient hospital care: | $335.00 per day for days 1 through 5 $0.00 per day for days 6 and beyond |
| Skilled Nursing Facility: | $0.00 per day for days 1 through 20 $214.00 per day for days 21 through 60 $0.00 per day for days 61 and beyond |
This section covers Medicare-approved foot care services, including exams and routine foot care.
| Service | Enrollee Cost (in-network) |
|---|---|
| Foot Exams and Treatments (Medicare-covered): | $45 Copay |
| Routine Foot Care: | Not Covered |
Understand the coverage for Medicare-approved chiropractic services and routine chiropractic care.
| Service | Enrollee Cost (in-network) |
|---|---|
| Medicare-covered chiropractic: | $15 Copay |
| Routine chiropractic: | Not Covered |
This section explains the costs for mental health services, including individual and group therapy, and inpatient care.
| Service | Enrollee Cost (in-network) |
|---|---|
| Outpatient individual therapy: | $40 Copay |
| Outpatient group therapy: | $40 Copay |
| Inpatient psychiatric hospital care: | $300.00 per day for days 1 through 5 $0.00 per day for days 6 and beyond |
See the cost details for rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy.
| Service | Enrollee Cost (in-network) |
|---|---|
| Physical therapy and speech and language therapy: | $25 Copay |
| Occupational therapy: | $25 Copay |
Learn about the costs associated with medical equipment and supplies, including diabetes supplies, durable medical equipment, and prosthetics.
| Service | Enrollee Cost (in-network) |
|---|---|
| Diabetes supplies: | 20% Coinsurance Prior Authorization Required |
| Durable medical equipment: | 20% Coinsurance Prior Authorization Required |
| Prosthetics: | 20% Coinsurance |
This section outlines the costs for diagnostic services, lab tests, x-rays, and other imaging services.
| Service | Enrollee Cost (in-network) |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic radiology services: | 20% Coinsurance Prior Authorization Required |
| Lab services: | $5 Copay Prior Authorization Required |
| Outpatient x-rays: | $15 Copay Prior Authorization Required |
| Diagnostic tests and procedures: | $25 Copay Prior Authorization Required |
Review the cost-sharing details for chemotherapy and other Medicare Part B-covered drugs.
| Service | Enrollee Cost (in-network) |
|---|---|
| Chemotherapy: | 20% Coinsurance |
| Other Part B drugs (Medicare-covered): | 20% Coinsurance |
This section details the dental services covered under your plan including, Medicare-covered preventive dental, oral exams, x-rays, dental cleanings, and comprehensive dental.
| Service | Member Cost (in-network) |
|---|---|
| Medicare Covered Preventive Dental | $45 Copay Prior Authorization Required |
| Oral exam | |
| Dental x-rays | |
| Cleaning | |
| Periodontics | |
| Endodontics | |
| Restorative Services |
This section outlines the coverage for hearing-related services, including exams, fittings, and hearing aids.
| Service | Member Cost (in-network) |
|---|---|
| Fitting/evaluation | $0 Copay Limitations Apply |
| Hearing aids | Covered Limits may apply |
| Hearing exam | $0 Copay |
Learn about the costs for vision-related services, including eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses.
| Service | Member Cost (in-network) |
|---|---|
| Medicare-covered eye exam (in-network) | $0 to $25 Copay |
| Routine eye exam (in-network) | $0 Copay 1 Every year |
| Eyewear benefits | Eyeglasses: Yes Contact Lenses: Yes Eyeglass Lenses: Yes Eyeglass Frames: Yes Eyewear Upgrades: Yes |
Maximum eyewear benefit: | Non Specified |
Certain preventive services are covered 100% by Blue Medicare Essential as a Part B benefit.
Part D Prescription Drug Costs & Benefits
Blue Medicare Essential includes an enhanced benefit Medicare Part D plan (PDP), which offers greater coverage than basic plans. An enhanced benefit plan has a higher actuarial value, meaning it covers a larger percentage of your healthcare costs.
Part D Plan Premium
The Part D prescription drug plan premium is included in your overall Medicare Advantage plan cost. However, additional expenses or subsidies may apply through the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program, also known as Extra Help. LIS, provided by Social Security, helps those with limited income and resources to lower or eliminate Part D costs. LIS benefits are not part of Medicare Advantage coverage.
| Basic Part D Premium: | $(19.50) |
|---|---|
| Supplemental Part D Premium: | $19.50 |
| Total Part D Premium: | $0.00 |
| Low-Income Premium Subsidy: | ${part_d_lips_amount} |
| Low-Income Premium Subsidy Paid by CMS: | $0.00 |
| Low-Income Subsidy Premium: | $0.00 |
For more details, visit the Social Security Extra Help program.
Prescription Drug Plan Deductible
This plan has a $590.00 annual Part D deductible. You'll pay this deductible at the pharmacy before Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina starts contributing towards your prescription costs.
Prescription Drug Plan Out-of-Pocket Costs
Beyond premiums and deductibles, Blue Medicare Essential may have additional costs at pharmacies. The table below outlines out-of-pocket expenses by drug tier.
| Drug Tier | Retail | Mail Order |
|---|---|---|
| Preferred Generic* | $0.00 | $15.00 |
| Generic* | $6.00 | $20.00 |
| Preferred Brand | $45.00 | $47.00 |
| Non-Preferred Drug | 49.00% | 49.00% |
| Specialty Tier | 25.00% | 25.00% |
| Select Care Drugs* | $0.00 | $3.00 |
| *Deductible does not apply. | ||
Understanding CMS Star Ratings
Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assesses health plans (Part C) and drug plans (Part D) based on a 5-star rating system. These ratings provide an overview of the plan’s performance in areas such as preventive care, managing chronic conditions, and member experience.
Considering a plan’s star rating can be an important part of your decision-making process, as higher ratings often reflect stronger performance in key areas of healthcare and customer service.
| CMS Measure | Star Rating |
|---|---|
| 2025 Overall Rating | |
| Staying Healthy: Screenings, Tests, Vaccines | |
| Managing Chronic (Long Term) Conditions | |
| Member Experience with Health Plan | |
| Complaints and Changes in Plans Performance | |
| Health Plan Customer Service | |
| Drug Plan Customer Service | |
| Complaints and Changes in the Drug Plan | |
| Member Experience with the Drug Plan | |
| Drug Safety and Accuracy of Drug Pricing |
If you are new to Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans, the following information will help you understand the enrollment process and restrictions.
Who Can Enroll in Blue Medicare Essential ?
To qualify for enrollment in Blue Medicare Essential , you must:
- Be entitled to Medicare Part A and enrolled in Medicare Part B.
- Live within the plan’s designated service area.
If you fulfill these criteria, you can enroll in Blue Medicare Essential and enjoy the extensive healthcare benefits it offers.
When Can I Enroll in Blue Medicare Essential ?
Understanding the right time to enroll in Blue Medicare Essential is crucial. Here are the key enrollment periods:
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Your first opportunity to enroll in Medicare starts three months before your 65th birthday and lasts until three months after your birthday month.
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Occurring annually from October 15 to December 7, the AEP allows you to enroll in, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage plan if you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): From January 1 to March 31 each year, the MA OEP gives you the chance to switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare.
- Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Certain life changes, like moving or losing other coverage, may make you eligible for a SEP, allowing you to adjust your plan outside the usual periods.
Not sure when to enroll? Call HealthCompare (our trusted enrollment partner) at 1-833-748-3201 (TTY 711) to speak with a licensed insurance agent who can guide you through your options.
Steps to Enroll in Blue Medicare Essential
Enrolling in Blue Medicare Essential is easy. Choose the option that works best for you:
- Online through MedicareEnrollment.com: Visit the enrollment page and complete your enrollment through their Secure Online Enrollment Form.
- By Phone: Call HealthCompare (our trusted enrollment partner) at 1-833-748-3201 (TTY 711). A licensed insurance agent can assist you with the enrollment process and provide answers to any questions.
- Through Medicare.gov: Go to Medicare.gov, log in or create an account, and follow the instructions to join Blue Medicare Essential through the official Medicare website.
- Directly with Blue Medicare Essential : You can also enroll directly with the plan. The necessary contact details are provided below in the "Contact" section.
Remember to enroll during the correct enrollment period to ensure your coverage starts on time.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions people have about plan ID H3449-027-1:
Is there a premium for this plan in 2025?
For 2025, the monthly premium is $0.00, and you still pay your Part B premium to Medicare.
How high can my costs go in a worst-case year?
The annual in-network MOOP is $8,300.00 , protecting you from larger bills once you hit that limit.
Is there a Part D deductible with this plan?
Yes. The Part D deductible is $590.00. The plan has at least one drug tier with no deductible.
How is this plan rated by Medicare?
CMS rates it ★4.5 out of 5 stars for 2025.
Is Blue Medicare Essential popular?
Enrollment stands at roughly 4,670 members.
Contact Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina
| Website: | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Plan Page |
|---|---|
| Providers: | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Providers Page |
| Formulary: | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Formulary Page |
| Pharmacy: | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Pharmacy Page |
| New Member Health Plan Help: | (866)760-0823 |
| New Member Health Plan TTY: | 711 |
| New Member Part D Help: | (866)760-0823 |
| New Member Part D TTY Users: | 711 |
If you're eligible for Medicare but haven't enrolled or need to verify your enrollment status, visit the Social Security Administration website. For more information about Medicare Advantage, visit medicare.gov.
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, https://www.bluecrossnc.com/medicare, Last Accessed June 1, 2025
- Medicare.gov, "Compare types of Medicare Advantage Plans", Last Accessed 25 May, 2025
- NCOA.org, "5 Steps to Choosing the Right Medicare Plan for You", Last Accessed 25 May, 2025
- Medicare.gov, "Compare Original Medicare & Medicare Advantage", Last Accessed 25 May, 2025
- CMS.gov, Landscape Source Files, Last Accessed October 15, 2024
- CMS.gov, Medicare Part C & D Performance, Last Accessed October 15, 2024
- CMS.gov, Plan Benefits Package, Last Accessed October 15, 2024
- CMS.gov, Monthly Enrollment by Contract/Plan/State/County, Last Accessed June 6, 2025
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