What is Blue Medicare Rx coverage?

Blue Medicare Rx coverage is insurance sponsored by Medicare to help Medicare beneficiaries pay for their prescription drugs.¹ The average beneficiary will save hundreds of dollars a year. Join a plan today.

Medicare makes prescriptions drugs more affordable

In January 2006, Medicare launched a new prescription drug benefit called Blue Medicare Rx coverage (also know as Medicare Part D). This new benefit is one of the most dramatic changes to Medicare since its inception four decades ago. The U.S. Congress designed this coverage to help beneficiaries pay for the medicines they need, by making filling prescriptions more affordable. In fact, a typical Medicare beneficiary, who enrolls for the first time, could cut their drug costs in half.¹

BCBSNC offers Blue Medicare Rx plans

Everyone covered by Medicare is eligible for the new drug coverage. But, it’s important to know that you will not automatically be enrolled in Medicare drug coverage unless you now have Medicaid. You must decide if you want this coverage, and if you do, you must join a plan. BCBSNC offers approved Blue Medicare Rx plans.² After you enroll in one of our plans, we will notify Medicare and Medicare will help pay for your prescription drug costs.

Limited enrollment period

Each year, during a specified enrollment period, you will have the choice to enroll for the first time, or if you are already enrolled, to continue your existing coverage or to switch plans. If you turn 65, or otherwise become eligible during the year, you can apply at any time. If you do not enroll when you first become eligible, you may have to pay a penalty when you do enroll.

• The first day to enroll in a 2008 Blue Medicare Rx plan is November 15, 2007.
• The last day to apply for Blue Medicare Rx coverage for 2008, or to change your current drug coverage, is December 31, 2007.
• The first day your new drug coverage will be effective is January 1, 2008.

Careful consideration

Even if you do not take a lot of prescription drugs now, it's still important to consider joining. As we age, most people need prescription drugs to stay healthy. Enrolling as soon as you become eligible means you’ll always pay a lower monthly premium than if you join after your initial enrollment opportunity.

Before you sign up:

• Check if your prescription drugs are covered in our formulary (covered drug list)
• Search the pharmacy list to verify which network pharmacies are located in your area.
• Determine which plan premium works best for you.

Get help understanding this coverage

Confused about the Blue Medicare Rx benefit? There are important things you need to know, and BCBSNC wants to help. View our Guide to understanding Blue Medicare Rx coverage . It can help you make better-informed decisions about the coverage that’s right for you.