Choosing the right Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) plan can feel overwhelming. With various options available, understanding the differences in coverage and costs is crucial to making an informed decision for you and your family. Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program (FEP) offers a range of plans designed to meet diverse needs and budgets. This guide will help you Compare Fehb Plans offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield, outlining the key features of each to assist you in selecting the best fit for your healthcare needs in 2025.
Understanding Your FEHB Plan Options with Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP provides three primary plan options: FEP Blue Focus®, FEP Blue Basic®, and FEP Blue Standard®. Each plan offers a different balance of cost savings and flexibility, designed to cater to various healthcare needs and preferences. Let’s break down the fundamental differences between these options:
FEP Blue Focus®: Cost-Effective In-Network Care
FEP Blue Focus is designed for those who prioritize lower premiums and are comfortable primarily receiving care within the plan’s network. Key characteristics include:
- In-Network Focus: Requires you to stay within the network of providers to receive coverage, except in emergencies.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Features copays and coinsurance for services after meeting a deductible.
- Wellness Rewards: Incentivizes preventive care by offering a $150 reward on your MyBlue® Wellness Card for completing an annual physical.
- Deductible: Includes an annual deductible that needs to be met before certain benefits are paid.
FEP Blue Basic®: Predictable Costs with a Focus on Copays
FEP Blue Basic is another in-network focused plan, but it emphasizes predictable costs through copays and eliminates the deductible, making budgeting for healthcare expenses simpler. Highlights include:
- In-Network Requirement: Similar to Focus, it requires in-network care, except for emergencies.
- Copay-Based Costs: Most out-of-pocket expenses are structured as copays, offering more predictable costs for many services.
- Wellness Incentives: Offers up to $170 annually on your MyBlue® Wellness Card for healthy activities.
- Medicare Part B Reimbursement: Provides a significant benefit for eligible members with Medicare Part B, offering up to $800 in Part B premium reimbursement.
- Mail Service Pharmacy Program for Medicare Part B Members: Enhanced pharmacy benefits for those with Medicare Part B.
- No Deductible: Eliminates the annual deductible, providing immediate access to many benefits at the copay level.
FEP Blue Standard®: Maximum Flexibility with Broad Provider Choice
FEP Blue Standard offers the greatest flexibility, allowing you to see providers both in and out of network, making it ideal for those who value choice and access. Key features are:
- Broad Provider Network: Allows you to see any provider, whether they are in-network or out-of-network, although costs may be lower in-network.
- Copays and Coinsurance: Utilizes both copays and coinsurance for out-of-pocket costs.
- Mail Service Pharmacy Program: Provides access to the convenient Mail Service Pharmacy Program.
- Wellness Rewards: Offers up to $170 per year on your MyBlue® Wellness Card.
- Deductible: Includes a deductible that applies to certain services.
2025 FEHB Plan Rates: Understanding Your Premium Costs
The following tables outline the bi-weekly and monthly premium rates for each plan in 2025. It’s important to note that these rates are general and may not apply to all enrollees, particularly those in special enrollment categories. Always confirm your specific rates with your agency or Tribal employer.
FEP Blue Focus® Rates
| 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® Rates
| 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® Rates
| 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 |
Side-by-Side Comparison of FEHB Benefits and Costs
To further simplify your decision, the table below provides a detailed comparison of benefits and typical service costs when using preferred providers across the three FEHB plans. This allows you to directly compare costs for common healthcare services and understand the differences in coverage.
Alt text: Download the 2025 Benefits at a Glance Brochure icon. Click to download a PDF brochure summarizing the 2025 FEHB plan benefits from Blue Cross and Blue Shield.
| Benefit Category | FEP Blue Focus® | FEP Blue Basic® | FEP Blue Standard® |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Doctor Visits (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 & Mental Health Care | $10 per visit (first 10 visits) | – Primary Care: $35 copay – Specialist: $50 copay – Mental Health: $35 copay | – Primary Care: $30 copay – Specialist: $40 copay – Mental Health: $30 copay |
| Urgent Care Center | $25 copay | $50 copay | – Accidental Injury: $0 – Medical Emergency: $30 copay |
| Chiropractic Care | $25 (up to 10 visits/year) | $35 (up to 20 visits/year) | $30 (up to 12 visits/year) |
| Prescription Drugs (Retail Pharmacy) | – Generics: $5 copay – Preferred Brand: 40% of allowance (max $350) | – Generics: $15 copay – Preferred Brand: $75 copay – Non-Preferred Brand: 60% of allowance (min $90) – 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 Medicare Part B members | – Generics: $15 copay – Preferred Brand: $90 copay – Non-Preferred Brand: $125 copay |
| Prescription Drugs (Specialty Pharmacy) | – Preferred Specialty: 40% of allowance (max $350) | Varies; lower costs with Medicare Part B primary | – Preferred Specialty: $65 copay – Non-Preferred Specialty: $85 copay |
| FEP Medicare Rx Drug Program (Retail Pharmacy) | – Generics: $5 copay – Preferred Brand: 40% of allowance (max $350) – Non-Preferred Brand: 40% of allowance (max $350) – Specialty: 40% of allowance (max $350) | – Generics: $10 copay – Preferred Brand: $45 copay – Non-Preferred Brand: 50% of allowance (min $60) – Specialty: $75 copay | – Generics: $5 copay – Preferred Brand: $35 copay – Non-Preferred Brand: 50% of allowance – Specialty: $60 copay |
| FEP Medicare Rx 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 | – Doctor’s Visits: $0 – Facility Care: $1,500 | – Inpatient: $350 – Outpatient: $0 | $0 copay |
| Hospital Care (Outpatient) | 30% of allowance | $250 copay per day per facility | 15% of allowance |
| Hospital Care (Inpatient) | 30% of allowance | $350 per day copay (max $1,750 per admission) | $350 per admission copay |
| 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/year) | See 2025 brochures |
| 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/Family: $1,000 | No deductible | – Self Only: $350 – Self + One/Family: $700 |
| Out-of-Pocket Maximum (PPO) | – Self Only: $9,000 – Self + One/Family: $18,000 | – Self Only: $7,500 – Self + One/Family: $15,000 | – Self Only: $6,000 – Self + One/Family: $12,000 |
| FEP Medicare Rx Drug Program Out-of-Pocket Maximum | $2,000 per member | $2,000 per member | $2,000 per member |
Note: Always refer to the official plan brochures (RI 71-005 for FEP Blue Standard and FEP Blue Basic; RI 71-017 for FEP Blue Focus) for complete details, including definitions, limitations, and exclusions.
Still Undecided? Get Personalized Plan Recommendations
If you’re still unsure which FEHB plan best aligns with your individual needs and circumstances, Blue Cross Blue Shield FEP offers a helpful online tool called AskBlueSM FEP Medical Plan Finder. This tool can guide you through a series of questions about your healthcare needs and preferences to provide personalized plan recommendations.
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