Public School Retirees: Blue Preferred® PPO
If you don't qualify for Medicare, this Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan plan allows you to get health coverage from any doctor or specialist in the state's largest PPO network without a referral. If you choose to go out of network, you'll still be covered, but you'll pay more.
Plan highlights
- See any in-network doctor or specialist without referrals
PLAN ELIGIBILITY
Non-Medicare
PLAN TYPE
PPO
Blue Cross Coordinated Care Advocate
The Blue Cross Coordinated Care Advocate program allows you to get help, answers and clarity with just about anything related to your health care.
Care advocates are registered nurses ready to help you. Whether you want advice about an upcoming surgery, are seeking information on a specific condition or need guidance in selecting a primary care provider, care advocates:
- Make the health care process easier.
- Guide and support you in making decisions.
- Give you advice to get the best care available for your specific needs.
- Can assist with scheduling health care appointments.
Care advocates are like having a nurse in the family to turn to with your medical concerns. They’ll take the right steps to make better whole-body health care happen for you.
To contact a care advocate, call 1-800-422-9146 (TTY: 711) from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time, Monday through Friday. After your first contact, you can use the Blue Cross Coordinated CareSM app to stay connected.
What is LivingWell?
LivingWell is a program that helps you track your health, identify areas for improvement and work on an action plan with your primary care physician. Each year, you'll have a chance to participate in the LivingWell program. You'll receive information about the LivingWell program from Blue Cross in the fall.
Step 1: Choose a primary care physician
Choosing a primary care provider within the PPO network can reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Locate network providers using the Find a Doctor tool on the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan mobile app or with our online tool. To get the most out of the LivingWell program, select a Patient-Centered Medical Home doctor as your primary care provider.
Working with a primary care physician who is a Patient-Centered Medical Home doctor provides many advantages, including:
- 24-hour access to your medical team
- Coordination of care
- Personalized strategies for managing your health
For more information, read our Patient-Centered Medical Homes FAQ (PDF).
Step 2: Complete the LivingWell questionnaire
LivingWell is a program that helps you track your health, identify areas for improvement and work on an action plan with your primary care physician. Each year, you'll have a chance to participate in the LivingWell program. You'll receive information about the LivingWell program from Blue Cross in the fall.
Step 3: Get an annual routine physical
Visiting your primary care provider for an annual physical is the best way to catch potential health issues early.
Michigan immunization pharmacies
Visit an immunization pharmacy to get your flu vaccine or COVID-19 booster. To locate an Immunization Pharmacy in Michigan:
- Go the Find Care page.
- Enter in your ZIP code or address.
- Select Places by Type.
- Search for Immunization Pharmacy.
For help finding other no-cost locations to get a flu vaccine or COVID-19 booster, call Customer Service at 1-800-422-9146 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
Vaccine Coverage Guide
Staying up to date on your vaccinations can reduce your risk of contracting serious illnesses. Your retirement system health plan covers many vaccines to keep you healthy. Some of the vaccines are covered by your medical plan, administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Other vaccines are covered by your prescription drug plan, administered by Optum Rx. Learn about both in the Michigan Office of Retirement Services Vaccine Coverage Guide (PDF).
Need help understanding your EOB?
Every time you go to a doctor or hospital, a claim is filed. Each time a claim is filed, you’ll get an explanation of benefits statement from us.
The statement shows you what services were billed, what we paid and what you pay.
Get to know the different parts of your EOB in Understanding your EOB (PDF).