Before your 65th birthday is the time to start thinking about Medicare.

That means understanding what Medicare is, how and when to enroll, and what it does and does not cover. It’s also time to think about the options available that can help protect you from some of the expenses not covered by Medicare.
We at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas want to give you some clear, practical information on the basics of Medicare. We’re also pleased to highlight our available plan choices that can help cover the costs Medicare does not cover.

Medicare at a Glance

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for:

• People ages 65 and older.
• People younger than age 65 with certain disabilities.
• People of all ages with end-stage renal disease or permanent kidney failure.

Medicare has 4 main parts:

• Part A Hospital Insurance
  Part A provides coverage for hospital and skilled nursing facility care. In addition, Part A helps pay for home health care by covering speech and physical therapy, home health aides, and durable medical equipment. Hospice care is also under Part A. Most people do not pay a premium for Part A.
• Part B Medical Insurance
  Part B covers outpatient medical care you receive from doctors and other health care providers. Most people pay a monthly premium for this coverage.
• Part C Medicare Advantage
  Under Medicare Part C, private insurance companies contract with the federal government to provide all the benefits covered under Medicare plus additional coverage not included with Medicare. Costs are generally more affordable than other options because the federal government contributes to the cost of the premium.
• Part D Prescription Drug Coverage
  Individuals can purchase Medicare prescription drug coverage as a stand-alone plan or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan.

Learn more about Medicare Basics

When should you enroll in Medicare?

You will automatically be enrolled in Medicare if you are under age 65 and are already receiving Social Security, Railroad Retirement, or disability benefits. If this does not apply to you, you have to enroll. You can do so three months before your 65th birthday, during the month of your birthday, and three months after your birthday. If you apply three months before your birth month, you’ll be covered at age 65.

If you need to enroll
Sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B by calling Social Security at
1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). You can also enroll at your local Social Security office.

How much will you pay?
Most people do not pay for Part A hospital insurance. Part B medical insurance requires a monthly premium ($96.40 in 2009)**.