Choosing the right health insurance plan is a crucial decision, especially for federal employees who have access to the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) Federal Employee Program offers a variety of plans designed to meet diverse healthcare needs. To help you make an informed choice, this guide will Compare Blue Cross Blue Shield Plans available under the FEHB program, specifically looking at the FEP Blue Focus, FEP Blue Basic, and FEP Blue Standard options for 2025. Understanding the differences in coverage, costs, and benefits is essential to selecting a plan that best suits your individual or family’s healthcare requirements.
Understanding Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP Plan Options
Blue Cross Blue Shield provides three distinct FEHB plans, each with its own structure of benefits and cost-sharing. Let’s delve into the key features of each plan to help you compare blue cross blue shield plans effectively.
FEP Blue Focus®
The FEP Blue Focus plan is designed to offer cost-effective healthcare coverage while focusing on in-network services. Key characteristics include:
- Network Restriction: You must receive care within the network to maximize benefits.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Expect copays and coinsurance for services.
- Wellness Rewards: Earn a $150 reward on your MyBlue® Wellness Card simply by completing an annual physical.
- Deductible: This plan includes a deductible that you need to meet before certain benefits are paid.
FEP Blue Basic®
FEP Blue Basic is another in-network focused plan, emphasizing predictable out-of-pocket expenses through copays. Highlights of this plan are:
- Network Restriction: Similar to Focus, you need to stay within the network for coverage.
- Copay Structure: Most out-of-pocket costs are in the form of copays, offering more predictability.
- Wellness Rewards: Opportunity to earn up to $170 annually on your MyBlue® Wellness Card through various wellness activities.
- Medicare Advantage: Eligible members with Medicare can benefit from up to $800 Medicare Part B reimbursement.
- Mail Service Pharmacy for Medicare: Access to the Mail Service Pharmacy Program is available for members who have Medicare Part B.
- No Deductible: A significant advantage of this plan is the absence of a deductible.
FEP Blue Standard®
FEP Blue Standard provides the most flexibility in terms of provider choice, allowing you to see doctors both in and out of network. Its features include:
- Provider Flexibility: You have the freedom to see any provider, whether they are in-network or out-of-network.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Out-of-pocket expenses include both copays and coinsurance.
- Mail Service Pharmacy: Access to the convenient Mail Service Pharmacy Program.
- Wellness Rewards: Earn up to $170 per year on your MyBlue® Wellness Card.
- Deductible: This plan has a deductible that applies to certain services.
2025 FEHB Plan Rates
To further help you compare blue cross blue shield plans, understanding the cost is crucial. Below are the 2025 FEHB plan rates for each BCBS option.
FEP Blue Focus®
| Enrollment code | Bi-weekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Self Only (131) | $59.17 | $128.21 |
| Self + 1 (133) | $127.21 | $275.63 |
| Self & Family (132) | $139.92 | $303.17 |
FEP Blue Basic®
| Enrollment code | Bi-weekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Self Only (111) | $113.16 | $245.18 |
| Self + 1 (113) | $274.14 | $593.97 |
| Self & Family (112) | $303.61 | $657.82 |
FEP Blue Standard®
| Enrollment code | Bi-weekly | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Self Only (104) | $174.81 | $378.76 |
| Self + 1 (106) | $384.14 | $832.31 |
| Self & Family (105) | $424.65 | $920.07 |
Please note: These rates may not be applicable to all enrollees. If you are in a special enrollment category, it’s important to contact the agency or Tribal employer managing your health benefits enrollment for accurate rate information.
Compare FEHB Benefit Options
A detailed comparison of benefits is essential when you compare blue cross blue shield plans. The table below outlines the costs for common services when using preferred providers, allowing for a side-by-side analysis of the FEP Blue Focus, Basic, and Standard plans.
| Benefit Category | FEP Blue Focus® | FEP Blue Basic® | FEP Blue Standard® |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual doctor visits by Teladoc Health® | $0 copay | $0 copay | $0 copay |
| Preventive Care | $0 copay for covered services | $0 copay for covered services | $0 copay for covered services |
| Physician and Mental Health Care | $10 per visit for first 10 primary/specialty care visits | – $35 copay for primary care – $50 copay for specialists – $35 copay for mental health visits | – $30 copay for primary care – $40 copay for specialists – $30 copay for mental health visits |
| Urgent Care Center | $25 copay | $50 copay | Accidental Injury: $0 Medical Emergency: $30 copay |
| Chiropractic Care | $25 for up to 10 visits a year | $35 for up to 20 visits a year | $30 for up to 12 visits a year |
| Prescription Drugs (Retail Pharmacy) | – Generics: $5 copay – Preferred brand: 40% of allowance ($350 max) | – Generics: $15 copay – Preferred brand: $75 copay – Non-preferred brand: 60% of allowance ($90 min) – Preferred specialty: $120 copay – Non-preferred specialty: $200 copay | – Generics: $7.50 copay – Preferred brand: 30% of allowance – Non-preferred brand: 50% of allowance – Preferred specialty: 30% of allowance – Non-preferred specialty: 30% of allowance |
| Prescription Drugs (Mail Service Pharmacy) | Not a benefit | Available to members with Medicare Part B only: – Generics: $20 copay – Preferred brand: $100 copay – Non-preferred brand: $125 copay | – **Generics: $15 copay – **Preferred brand: $90 copay – **Non-preferred brand: $125** copay |
| Prescription Drugs (Specialty Pharmacy) | – Preferred specialty: 40% of allowance ($350 max) | – Preferred specialty: $120 copay – Non-preferred specialty: $200 copay | – Preferred specialty: $65 copay – Non-preferred specialty: $85 copay |
| FEP Medicare Prescription Drug Program (Retail Pharmacy) | – Generics: $5 copay – Preferred brand: 40% of allowance ($350 max) – Non-preferred brand: 40% of allowance ($350 max) – Specialty: 40% of allowance ($350 max) | – Generics: $10 copay – Preferred brand: $45 copay – Non-preferred brand: 50% of allowance ($60 min) – Specialty: $75 copay | – Generics: $5 copay – Preferred brand: $35 copay – Non-preferred brand: 50% of allowance – Specialty: $60 copay |
| FEP Medicare Prescription Drug Program (Mail Service Pharmacy) | Not a benefit | – Generics: $15 copay – Preferred brand: $95 copay – Non-preferred brand: $125 copay – Specialty: $150 copay | – Generics: $5 copay – Preferred brand: $85 copay – Non-preferred brand: $125 copay – Specialty: $150 copay |
| Maternity Care | – $0 for doctor’s visits – $1,500 for facility care | – $350 inpatient – $0 outpatient | $0 copay |
| Hospital Care (Outpatient) | 30% of allowance | $250 copay per day per facility | 15% of allowance |
| Hospital Care (Inpatient) | 30% of allowance (precertification required) | $350 per day copay; up to $1,750 per admission (precertification required) | $350 per admission copay (precertification required) |
| Surgery | 30% of allowance | 15% of allowance | 15% of allowance |
| ER (accidental injury) | $0 within 72 hours | $350 copay per day per facility | $0 within 72 hours |
| ER (medical emergency) | 30% of allowance | $350 copay per day per facility | 15% of allowance |
| Lab work (first 10 specific tests) | $0 | 15% of allowance | 15% of allowance |
| Diagnostic services | 30% of allowance | 15% of allowance | 15% of allowance |
| Dental Care | Not a benefit | $35 per evaluation; up to 2 evaluations per year | See 2025 FEP Blue Standard and FEP Blue Basic brochure |
| Rewards Program | Earn $150 on MyBlue Wellness Card for annual physical | Earn up to $170 on MyBlue Wellness Card | Earn up to $170 on MyBlue Wellness Card |
| Annual Deductible | – Self Only: $500 – Self + One and Self & Family: $1,000 | No deductible | – Self Only: $350 – Self + One and Self & Family: $700 |
| Out-of-Pocket Maximum (PPO) | – Self Only: $9,000 – Self + One and Self & Family: $18,000 | – Self Only: $7,500 – Self + One and Self & Family: $15,000 | – Self Only: $6,000 – Self + One and Self & Family: $12,000 |
| FEP Medicare Prescription Drug Program Out-of-Pocket Maximum | $2,000 per member | $2,000 per member | $2,000 per member |
Note: Cost sharing may vary if Medicare is your primary coverage. This is a summary only. Refer to the official Federal brochures (FEP Blue Standard and FEP Blue Basic: RI 71-005; FEP Blue Focus: RI 71-017) for complete details.
Choosing the Right Blue Cross Blue Shield FEHB Plan for You
After reviewing this compare blue cross blue shield plans guide, you should have a clearer understanding of the options available. The FEP Blue Focus plan stands out for its lower premiums and wellness rewards, best suited for those who prioritize cost savings and in-network care. FEP Blue Basic offers predictability with copays and no deductible, potentially appealing to those who prefer budget certainty and may benefit from Medicare Part B integration. FEP Blue Standard provides the greatest flexibility with its out-of-network coverage and a balance of cost and benefits.
If you are still unsure which plan aligns best with your healthcare needs and preferences, Blue Cross Blue Shield offers a helpful tool to guide your decision.
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