2026 Medicare & Blue for Federal Retirees & Family Members - The FEP Advantage

Oct 12, 2026

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Guide to the 2026 Medicare and FEP program for federal retirees and family members, explaining what Original Medicare covers and what it does not (e.g., prescription drugs, preventive dental care, hearing aids). Describes using Medicare and FEP ID cards together, claim coordination when Medicare is primary, and how combining coverage can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Compares FEP Blue Standard, FEP Blue Basic, and FEP Blue Focus, plus pharmacy benefits and enrollment options.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatPDF

Pages20

Reading Time7 min

AccessFree to download

The FEP Advantage

Medicare and FEP coverage together

Using your Medicare + FEP ID cards

Boost your benefits with Medicare + FEP

Choose the right FEP plan for your Medicare needs

Enrolling in a new plan option

Get help finding the right plan

FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD FEDERAL EMPLOYEE PROGRAM 2026 MEDICARE & BLUE FOR FEDERAL RETIREES & FAMILY MEMBERS Helping you get more out of Medicare . HERE FOR YOU. [fepblue.org](fepblue.org) THE FEP ADVANTAGE While Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B, which cover hospital and medical services) provides benefts, it doesn’t cover everything. Things like prescription drugs, preventive dental care and hearing aids are not covered by Medicare. But they are covered by most FEP plans. If you want to compare what you pay when Medicare is not primary, please download the Medicare at a Glance chart at [fepblue.org/plan-summaries](fepblue.org/plan-summaries). Using your Medicare + FEP ID cards together When you receive services, you should take your Medicare ID card and your FEP member ID card. This will help ensure your claims process correctly. When Medicare is primary, your doctors will send claims to Medicare frst, then Medicare will send the claim to us. There is no paperwork for you. Boost your benefts with Medicare + FEP together Medical benefts When you combine your FEP coverage with Medicare Part A and Part B primary, we eliminate your out-of-pocket costs for covered medical services. With FEP Blue Basic, there is no deductible. With FEP Blue Standard, we waive your deductible when you have Medicare as your primary coverage. You only pay: • FEP premium • Medicare premium • Pharmacy cost shares Pharmacy benefts We have a prescription drug beneft exclusively for members who have Medicare. It’s called the FEP Medicare Prescription Drug Program (MPDP). With this beneft, members receive lower-cost shares and more covered prescriptions than our traditional pharmacy beneft. Learn more on pages 9-10. Over 99% of members choose to stay Blue each year because we have: • Over 2 million doctors and hospitals, plus over 65,000 retail pharmacies nationwide • No referrals to receive care • 100% commitment to your overall health and wellness • Medical coverage when you live or travel overseas (Note: MPDP is not applicable overseas) [fepblue.org](fepblue.org) Choose the right FEP plan for your Medicare needs When you combine Medicare with FEP, you get more benefts while lowering your costs. Since all our plans provide excellent coverage, you may be wondering which is right for you now that you’re eligible for Medicare. We’ll break down the benefts of each: FEP Blue Standard® This plan is best for people with Medicare Parts A and B who want high-value benefts. It ofers the largest approved drug list (formulary), making it a great choice for members with complex prescription needs. You’ll get extra coverage for services Medicare doesn’t cover, like hearing aids and preventive dental care. When you combine it with Original Medicare, we pay your deductible, making it a deductible-free plan. FEP Blue Basic® This option is great for people with Medicare Parts A and B who want a fexible plan with broad coverage across many types of care. You’ll get up to $800 back for paying your Medicare Part B premiums when you combine your coverage. You’ll get extra coverage for services Medicare doesn’t cover, like hearing aids and preventive dental care. Members with Medicare get enhanced prescription drug coverage, including access to Mail Service. FEP Blue Focus® This plan has more limited benefts when paired with Medicare Parts A and B, and does not include the FEP Medicare Prescription Drug Program (MPDP). If you expect to need more care beyond preventive checkups and generic drugs, it may not be the best ft. That’s why this guide focuses on FEP Blue Basic and FEP Blue Standard. You do not have an MPDP beneft or access to Mail Service. hearing aids and preventive dental care. For more information about Medicare, [visit](visit medicare.gov)[ ](visit medicare.gov)[medicare.gov](visit medicare.gov). With both FEP Blue Basic and FE

FAQs

What does Original Medicare cover, and what does it not cover for federal retirees?

Original Medicare covers hospital and medical services, but it does not cover everything such as prescription drugs, preventive dental care, or hearing aids. These items are covered by most FEP plans.

How should members use Medicare and FEP ID cards when receiving services?

Use your Medicare ID card and your FEP member ID card together when receiving services. When Medicare is primary, doctors submit claims to Medicare first, and Medicare forwards the claim to FEP, with no paperwork for you.

How do FEP Blue Standard and FEP Blue Basic differ when combined with Medicare?

FEP Blue Standard is described as best for people wanting high-value benefits and includes the largest approved drug list, plus it pays your Medicare deductible when Medicare is primary. FEP Blue Basic offers flexible broad coverage and may refund up to $800 for paying Medicare Part B premiums, along with extra coverage for services Medicare doesn’t cover.

Oct 12, 2026

Upload by Ophelia