Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan is offering a new Medicare Advantage group plan to Medicare-eligible members of the Michigan Public Schools Employees Retirement System (MPSERS). Many of these retirees are located in Texas. MPSERS members can be identified by the prefix "MQA" on their BCBSM identification card. The MPSERS plan offered by BCBS Michigan is a private fee-for-service plan that combines the benefits of Medicare Part A and B with supplemental coverage into one health care plan. The plan was effective January 1, 2007. Under these plans:

• There are no signed contracts with providers or networks
• There are no referral requirements for specialists or other services
• Members may receive care from any provider in the United States who is eligible to be paid under Medicare rules and agrees to become a "deemed" provider.

Claims for this plan should be filed electronically to the local Blues Plan. If you have any questions regarding this coverage and eligibility for this plan, please call 800-676-BLUE (2583).

Please check the member's ID card to determine the member's Medicare Advantage plan before providing services to the member.