Medicare is health insurance typically for people 65 years of age or older as well as individuals under 65 years old with certain types of disabilities. It also covers people of any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), which is permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Below you will find information about each of the different parts of Medicare coverage.
Medicare Part A (Hospital) & B (Medical)
- Part A - Helps pay hospital expenses including: Room & Board, Rehabilitation in a skilled nursing facility, Hospice & Home Heathcare
- Part B - Helps pay doctors, specialists, surgeons, and durable medical equipment
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)
- Includes all benefits and services covered under Medicare Part A: Hospital Insurance and Medicare Part B: Medical Insurance
- Managed by Medicare-approved private insurance companies
- Typically includes Medicare Part D: Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
- Plans may include additional benefits such as: Dental, Vision, Gym Membership, at no additional cost
- OTC Card and Transportation
Medicare Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage)
- Offers assistance in covering the cost of outpatient prescription drugs
- Managed by Medicare-approved private insurance companies
- May help in lowering your prescription drug costs and help protect against rising costs in the future
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)
- You must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.
- You employ a private insurance company and pay monthly premium for your Medigap policy. In addition, you’ll be responsible for your monthly premium for Medicare Part B paid to directly to Medicare.
- 11 plans designed to pick up all or part of Medicare approved expenses not paid for by original Medicare.
Blue to Blue: Flexibility to Change
Blue to Blue gives every Blue Cross Blue Shield NC member the freedom to switch Medicare plan, at designated times, without having to answer medical questions.
With some insurers, you can get locked into a plan that may not be right for you. But thanks to our exclusive Blue-to-Blue program, if your needs change over time, Blue Cross NC gives you the flexibility to switch Medicare plans:
With some insurers, you can get locked into a plan that may not be right for you. But thanks to our exclusive Blue-to-Blue program, if your needs change over time, Blue Cross NC gives you the flexibility to switch Medicare plans:
- Without additional medical exams
- Without underwriting or additional health questions
- Without any hassle!
During the Annual Enrollment Period or during a Special Enrollment Period you can:
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Switch from Medicare Advantage to Medicare Supplement
- Switch from Medicare Supplement to Medicare Advantage
- Switch from one of our Medicare Supplement plans to another
So, you an always be sure to have the Medicare plan that best suits your needs and budget.
*Note: Certain limits apply. You may only switch plans at designated times during the year.