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Medicare Plus Blue 2027: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Medicare Advantage Plans

Reviewed by Russell Noga, Licensed Medicare Insurance Broker (all 50 states) — Last updated October 9, 2026

Medicare Plus Blue is the Medicare Advantage PPO line from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM). Its sister company, Blue Care Network, sells the BCN Advantage HMO plans. For 2027, both companies earned 4.5 out of 5 stars from CMS, which puts them among the top-rated Medicare Advantage carriers in Michigan.

This guide covers what each 2027 Medicare Plus Blue PPO plan costs, how the PPO and HMO sides differ, what changed in Michigan for 2027, and what to check before you enroll. Annual Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2026, for coverage that starts January 1, 2027.

✔ Licensed across all 50 states✔ Built on CMS 2027 data✔ No-cost plan comparison

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Medicare Plus Blue 2027 overview showing 4.5-star ratings for BCBSM and Blue Care Network, PPO out-of-pocket limits and Michigan Medicare Advantage plan counts

Medicare Plus Blue vs BCN Advantage: Two Blue Companies

People searching for Blue Cross Medicare in Michigan often don’t realize there are two separate companies under the same Blue umbrella, each with its own plans, network rules and star rating contract.

Company Plan Brand Plan Type 2027 Stars
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Medicare Plus Blue PPO 4.5
Blue Care Network of Michigan BCN Advantage HMO / HMO-POS 4.5

The practical difference is the network. A Medicare Advantage PPO like Medicare Plus Blue lets you see out-of-network doctors at a higher cost and doesn’t require referrals. A Medicare Advantage HMO like BCN Advantage generally keeps you in network in exchange for lower costs, and some BCN plans are HMO-POS plans with limited out-of-network coverage. For Blue plans in other states, see our guide to Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plans.

Medicare Plus Blue 2027 Star Ratings

CMS released the 2027 Star Ratings in October 2026. Both BCBSM contracts scored 4.5 stars, and analysts named Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan one of the carriers that gained ground this year while several national insurers slipped. Here is how the Blue plans compare with other Michigan carriers.

Michigan Carrier (Contract) 2027 Overall Stars
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (Medicare Plus Blue PPO) 4.5
Blue Care Network (BCN Advantage) 4.5
Priority Health Medicare (three contracts) 4.5 / 4 / 3.5
Health Alliance Plan (two contracts) 4 / 3.5
Humana Medical Plan of Michigan 3.5

Star ratings measure things like preventive care, chronic condition management, member experience and customer service. A 4.5-star rating is well above the 2027 national average of 3.99. For every carrier’s results, see our 2027 Medicare Advantage star ratings, and for Detroit-area alternatives see HAP Medicare Advantage plans.

Compare Medicare Plus Blue Plans for 2027

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Medicare Plus Blue PPO Essential, Vitality and Meijer plans compared for 2027 by premium, out-of-pocket maximum and benefits

Medicare Plus Blue PPO Plans for 2027

BCBSM prices its Medicare Plus Blue PPO plans by region, so the same plan can cost different amounts depending on where in Michigan you live. These figures come from BCBSM’s 2027 Evidence of Coverage and Summary of Benefits documents.

2027 Benefit PPO Essential PPO Vitality Medicare Plus Blue + Meijer
Monthly premium $35.80–$41 by region $74.30–$111 by region $45
Max out-of-pocket $7,150 $5,000 in network / $6,700 combined $6,750
Primary care / specialist (in network) $0 / $45 $0 / $30 $0 / $50
Part D deductible (Tiers 3–5) $400 $250 $400
Extras $950 dental maximum Optional dental and vision package $1,000 dental, $100 eyewear, $75 OTC per quarter, SilverSneakers
Where it’s offered Select southern Michigan and Metro Detroit counties; not offered in northern Michigan or the Upper Peninsula Every Michigan region, including the Upper Peninsula Select counties

How to read this. Essential has the lowest premium but the highest out-of-pocket ceiling, so it suits people who rarely use care. Vitality costs more each month but caps in-network spending at $5,000 and lowers specialist copays, which can pay off for anyone with ongoing treatment. The Meijer co-branded plan adds everyday extras like an over-the-counter allowance and fitness, and in one region it includes a $12.10 monthly Part B premium reduction.

The maximum out-of-pocket covers medical services only and does not include prescription drugs. All three plans include Part D drug coverage, and an optional dental and vision package is available for an extra $27.10 a month. Benefits and premiums vary by county, and not every plan is sold in every area.

BCN Advantage HMO Plans

Blue Care Network sells the HMO side of the Blue lineup in Michigan under the BCN Advantage name, including HMO-POS plans such as BCN Advantage Classic and Prime Value in past years. HMO plans typically trade network flexibility for lower out-of-pocket costs, and you’ll usually choose a primary care doctor who coordinates referrals.

BCN Advantage plans may include dental, vision, hearing or over-the-counter benefits, depending on the plan and county. Not all plans offer all benefits, and plan names and availability can change from year to year. Check each plan’s 2027 Summary of Benefits for your ZIP code before you compare it with a Medicare Plus Blue PPO.

What Changed in Michigan for 2027

Michigan has the highest Medicare Advantage enrollment rate of any state, with about 63.7% of Medicare beneficiaries in a Medicare Advantage plan. The 2027 market is slightly smaller and slightly pricier than 2026:

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Fewer plans: Michigan Medicare Advantage plans drop from 192 in 2026 to 181 in 2027 across all carriers.

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Higher average premium: The average Michigan Medicare Advantage premium rises from $14.88 to $16.21 a month, even as the national average falls.

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Higher drug deductible ceiling: The maximum standard Part D deductible rises from $615 to $700 nationally, although Medicare Plus Blue PPO deductibles of $250 and $400 sit below that.

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Plan-level changes: Industry data shows BCBSM trimming some plan and county combinations for 2027, so confirm your specific plan is continuing in your county.

If you’re a current member, your Annual Notice of Change letter lists exactly what changes in your plan for 2027. For the bigger picture, see our overview of Medicare Advantage plans 2027.

Who Medicare Plus Blue Fits

A strong fit if you:

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Want a 4.5-star carrier with a large Michigan provider network

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Want PPO flexibility to see out-of-network doctors or skip referrals

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Live in northern Michigan or the Upper Peninsula, where Vitality is available

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Prefer a lower out-of-pocket ceiling and will pay a higher premium for it

Look harder at other options if you:

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Want a $0-premium plan, since the 2027 Medicare Plus Blue PPO plans covered here all carry a monthly premium

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Rarely leave your local network, where an HMO may cost less

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Want built-in hearing aids or eyewear without paying for an add-on package

Other Michigan carriers to compare include HAP, Priority Health, Humana and Zing Health.

Before You Enroll: 2027 Checklist

1

Confirm your region and county. Medicare Plus Blue premiums change by region, and Essential isn’t sold in northern Michigan or the Upper Peninsula.

2

Check your doctors and hospitals. Even with a PPO, in-network care costs far less.

3

Run your prescriptions. Compare the drug list and Tier 3–5 deductible, since the out-of-pocket maximum doesn’t cover drugs.

4

Add up premium plus out-of-pocket. A higher premium with a lower ceiling can cost less in a year with heavy medical use.

5

Read your Annual Notice of Change. Current members should confirm their plan is continuing in their county for 2027.

6

Mark the dates. Medicare Open Enrollment 2027 runs October 15 to December 7, 2026.

Medicare Plus Blue Plans for 2027: Costs & Benefits

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Medicare Plus Blue 2027 — Frequently Asked Questions

➤ What is Medicare Plus Blue?

Medicare Plus Blue is the Medicare Advantage PPO brand of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The plans replace Original Medicare, include Part D drug coverage, and let you see out-of-network providers at a higher cost.

➤ What is the difference between Medicare Plus Blue and BCN Advantage?

Medicare Plus Blue plans are PPOs offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. BCN Advantage plans are HMO and HMO-POS plans offered by Blue Care Network, a BCBSM affiliate. PPOs offer more network flexibility, while HMOs usually cost less and keep you in network.

➤ What is the Medicare Plus Blue star rating for 2027?

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s Medicare Advantage contract earned 4.5 out of 5 stars for 2027, and Blue Care Network also earned 4.5 stars. Both are well above the 2027 national average of 3.99.

➤ How much does Medicare Plus Blue cost in 2027?

Premiums vary by plan and region. PPO Essential runs $35.80 to $41 a month, PPO Vitality runs $74.30 to $111 a month, and the Meijer co-branded PPO is $45 a month. You also keep paying your Part B premium.

➤ What is the Medicare Plus Blue out-of-pocket maximum for 2027?

PPO Essential caps covered medical costs at $7,150. PPO Vitality caps in-network costs at $5,000 and combined in- and out-of-network costs at $6,700. The Meijer PPO caps costs at $6,750. These limits do not include prescription drugs.

➤ Is Medicare Plus Blue available in the Upper Peninsula?

Yes, PPO Vitality is offered in every Michigan region, including the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Michigan. PPO Essential is not offered in that region for 2027, so check which plans are sold in your county.

➤ Does Medicare Plus Blue include dental and vision?

It depends on the plan. PPO Essential includes a $950 dental maximum, and the Meijer PPO includes $1,000 for dental and $100 for eyewear. An optional dental and vision package is available for $27.10 a month on top of the plan premium.

➤ What is the Medicare Plus Blue + Meijer plan?

It’s a co-branded PPO from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Meijer, sold in select Michigan counties for $45 a month. It includes a $75 over-the-counter allowance each quarter, SilverSneakers fitness and, in one region, a $12.10 monthly Part B premium reduction.

➤ Is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan leaving Medicare Advantage in 2027?

No. BCBSM is offering Medicare Plus Blue PPO plans for 2027, and its Vitality plan is sold in every Michigan region. Some plan and county combinations are changing, so current members should read their Annual Notice of Change to confirm their plan continues.

➤ When can I enroll in a Medicare Plus Blue plan for 2027?

Annual Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2026, with coverage starting January 1, 2027. If you’re already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can also make one change from January 1 to March 31, 2027.

New to Medicare?

If you are new to Medicare, then you can enroll in a 2027 Medicare Advantage plan up to three months prior to your Medicare Part B effective date.

Call one of our licensed insurance agents to see what the best time frame is for you to enroll, based on your current situation. You can contact them at 1-855-409-6195 (TTY 711), Mon–Fri 8am–9pm EST.

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