When you're new to Medicare Advantage, there is a lot of information that can be overwhelming. But, at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, we are here to help you be your healthiest self.

To start, let's take a look at two important steps: making sure your care team is set up and annual preventive care visits are scheduled.

First step: Find a doctor

It’s important to identify your care team as early as possible to help you avoid frustration when you need medical care.

Like a team of superheroes in your corner, fighting for you, your care team can help you beyond just clinic visits and filling prescriptions — they support you in your health journey.

If you already have a care team that you’re comfortable with, it’s a good idea to simply double check they are in your new plan’s network.

Need to find someone new? When doing so, it’s important to choose doctors you can trust and talk with openly. Your primary care provider is a generalist who can address most of your health care needs, so finding someone you’re comfortable with is a good place to start.

There are also a few other considerations to keep in mind if you need a new doctor. Some people choose their primary care provider based on proximity (the provider’s clinic is close to home), on languages spoken (non-native English speakers may feel more comfortable with a provider who can understand both English and their native language) and for a whole host of other reasons.

Remember, your primary care provider serves as your “first line of defense” whenever you’re concerned about your health, are sick or are injured, so these are all important considerations to keep in mind.

Finally, in the case that you require specific care, such as a cardiologist or a surgeon, for example, your primary care provider can refer you to the appropriate health care professional.

Using the Find a Doctor tool

When you’re looking for a doctor, either for an in-person or virtual appointment, check out Blue Cross’ Find a Doctor tool on our website or through the mobile app to search for in-network providers, hospitals and clinics.

Be sure to sign into your account (or create an account and sign in, if you don’t yet have one), so you can get the most accurate information based on your plan and network. Within the tool, you can narrow your options by location, care needs, gender, language and more.

Prefer to talk to someone to get the info you need? You can also call the number on the back of your member ID card to ask about doctors and clinics in your plan’s network.

Learn about the benefits of connecting with a primary care doctor:

Second step: Schedule your annual preventative care visits

Preventative care is the best way to catch problems early and maintain your overall health.

For Medicare Advantage members, annual wellness visits and annual physicals are covered within their plan’s benefits at no extra cost. Here’s what to expect for each:

Annual wellness visit

During your annual wellness visit, you and your doctor will discuss how you’ve been feeling physically, mentally and emotionally. Come to the visit prepared to talk about any mental or physical health concerns you have. Remember to have a list of any medications (including dosages) you take.

An annual wellness visit can take place in person or virtually. If you have a virtual visit, your provider will let you know if you need any in-person visits or tests based on the information you’ve shared during your conversation.

Annual physical

Your annual physical is different from your annual wellness visit as this is a hands-on appointment. During this in-person visit, your doctor will listen to your heart and lungs and take your temperature. They may also examine your ears, eyes, throat, skin and stomach.

Both visits are provided at no cost to Medicare Advantage members. However, if additional tests or procedures are necessary, there may be additional costs. If this is the case for you, it is a good idea to call the number on the back of your member ID card to help determine how much these services may cost before you go in for your appointment(s) and get any surprise bills.

Learn more about the importance of preventive care: 

Healthy Aging virtual planning session

Blue Cross MN Medicare Advantage members are also eligible for a virtual health assessment through Signify Health. This is a chance to discuss your health and medical history with a Signify Health doctor or nurse practitioner where you can ask any questions about your health. To schedule your free virtual visit, call (844) 266-8219 or TTY 711.

More information on the Medicare Advantage member virtual orientation sessions is available on bluecrossmn.com. Medicare Advantage or SecureBlue^SM members who would like to take advantage of this virtual visit opportunity should contact Signify Health at 1-844-266-8218 (TTY 711).