Medicare plans: Creating your ideal coverage
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As you approach retirement you probably have a lot of questions about Medicare. What is it? How do I find the right coverage for me and when I'm ready how do I enroll at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. We've been providing Insurance to North Carolinians for over 85 years. We know Medicare and we know you, and we're here to help make choosing a Medicare plan a little easier.
Let's get started. First, what is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older. It's also available for people of any age with certain disabilities. You may have heard Medicare referred to in parts. Let's start with parts A and B. Part A is your hospital benefits, it includes services such as inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing care and hospice.
Part B is your medical benefits. It includes services such as Doctor visits, labs, emergency room services and some preventive care like flu shots. Both parts A and B are managed by the federal government. You can choose to enroll in part A or B separately or together. When paired together, part A and Part B are referred to as original Medicare because original Medicare does not include prescription drug benefits. Some people who enroll in Parts A and B also enroll in part D. Part D is a standalone prescription drug plan. It is offered by private insurers like Blue Cross NC.
People who enroll in original Medicare also sometimes add a Medicare supplement or Medicap plan to their coverage. These plans are also offered by Blue Cross NC and help cover some of the costs not covered by original Medicare alone. But original Medicare is not your only option for Medicare coverage. You may choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan also known as part C, instead. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers like Blue Cross NC all plans include part A and Part B coverage and most include prescription drug benefits. Some plans also offer dental vision and hearing benefits or allowances.
Whatever your needs there's a Blue Medicare plan for you. With a Blue Medicare plan from Blue Cross NC, you can choose confidently knowing you're backed by the strength of our network and supported by local customer care specialists across our state. To learn more about Blue Medicare or to enroll, visit us at Medicare. BlueCrossNC.com
Path 1: Original Medicare (Parts A & B) + Supplemental Coverage
Part A: This coverage is provided by the federal government and includes several important benefits:
- Inpatient care in hospitals
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Hospice care
- Home health care
Part B: This part is provided by the federal government with a premium based on monthly income. It includes other benefits that expand your coverage:
- Physician services
- Ambulance services
- Mental health care
- Durable medical equipment
- Some preventive service
Supplemental coverage: This coverage is provided by private insurance companies, like Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC). There are two plans that are considered supplemental:
- Medicare Supplement Plan: Helps cover the costs not fully covered by Medicare parts A and B
- Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Plan): Helps cover your prescription drug costs
Path 1 perks
- Nationwide coverage: Your coverage is good coast-to-coast at any Medicare-accepting provider.
- Flexibility: You have the freedom to travel and see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.
- International travel benefits: Some plans offer coverage for emergency care while traveling outside the country.
Path 2: Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Medicare Advantage plans are PPO or HMO plans offered by private insurance companies, including Blue Cross NC. This path includes the following benefits:
- Medicare parts A and B: Coverage for all the same services as Medicare parts A and B but with lower out-of-pocket costs when you use doctors and hospitals in the plan’s network. Your Part B premium is still required.
- Part D (Prescription Drug Plan): Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage.
Some Medicare Advantage plans also include other valuable benefits to support your overall health:
- Vision
- Hearing
- Dental
- Wellness and discounts such as no-cost fitness memberships
Path 2 perks
- All-in-one coverage: You can choose a plan that includes prescription drug coverage, as well as other benefits such as dental and hearing.
- Limits on out-of-pocket costs: Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans put a cap on your out-of-pocket costs. Once you hit the cap, the plan pays 100% of your covered costs.
- Affordability: Many plans offer more comprehensive coverage for a lower cost than Path 1.
Still have questions?
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