Show The 34 independent and locally operated Blue Cross Blue Shield companies deliver health insurance coverage to one in three Americans across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. In addition, the BCBS Federal Employee Program® insures over five million federal employees, retirees and their families. International Solutions Blue Cross Blue Shield Global™ solutions provide a comprehensive suite of international products and services for people who live, work and travel internationally, giving them confidence that quality care can be accessed wherever and whenever needed. Blue Cross Blue Shield Global The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is an association of 35 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield companies.
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Header Having put our members first for over 90 years, it's no wonder we're the Medicare coverage trusted by more doctors. Explore what the Benefit of Blue has to offer and enter your zip code below to find the local plan that fits your needs. Already eligible for Blue Cross
and Blue Shield retiree coverage through your employer? Read More Are you a retired federal employee? Read More Flexible Content Featured Image
Headline What is Medicare? Description Medicare is federal health insurance available for eligible individuals age 65 and over, or individuals under 65 with certain disabilities or medical conditions. Featured Image
Headline Am I eligible for Medicare? Description You likely meet Medicare eligibility requirements if you:
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Headline What are my Medicare coverage options? Description As you explore Medicare coverage from Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies, it’s important to first understand all your Medicare plan options. Flexible Content Medicare Advantage plans provide Medicare coverage through private health insurance companies approved to participate in the Medicare program. These plans can be HMOs, PPOs, Regional PPOs or Private Fee-for-Service plans. Medicare Advantage plans provide all Part A and B services while generally including some additional services, such as wellness programs, hearing aids and vision services. These plans
also tend to have lower cost sharing overall and a maximum that you would have to pay for out-of-pocket costs each calendar year–a feature not available through Original Medicare. Premium Deductibles Copays A copayment may apply to specific services, such as doctor office visits. Coinsurance Cost sharing amounts may apply to specific services. Out-of-Pocket Expenses All Medicare Advantage plans have an annual limit on your out-of-pocket expenses, which is a feature not available through Original Medicare. LimitsMedicare Advantage plans have defined geographic service areas and most have networks of physicians and hospitals where you can receive care. Ask your physicians if they participate in your health insurance plan’s Medicare Advantage network. Things to Consider
Initial Enrollment PeriodThe Initial Enrollment Period is a limited window of time when you can enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and/or Part B) when you are first eligible. After you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, you can select other coverage options like a Medicare Advantage plan from approved private insurers. After this period has ended, you can add or change your coverage during the Open Enrollment Period. How to EnrollYou must first enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B before joining a Medicare Advantage plan. Contact your local Blue Cross Blue Shield company for help choosing a Medicare Advantage plan and getting enrolled. Open Enrollment PeriodOctober 15 through December 7 The Medicare Open Enrollment Period provides an annual opportunity to review, and if necessary, change your Medicare coverage options. Coverage becomes effective on January 1. During Open Enrollment, some examples of changes that you can make include:
As of January 2019, a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period is available from January 1 – March 31 every year. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you will have a one-time opportunity to make changes to your Medicare coverage, which includes switching to a different Medicare Advantage plan OR returning to Original Medicare with the option to sign up for a Prescription Drug Coverage plan. This open enrollment period previously ran until February 15, but was extended by Congress to run until March 31 for those already enrolled in Medicare Advantage. Download the Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) guide to find the coverage options offered by your local Blue Cross Blue Shield company. |