What are my options for Medicare coverage?

Medicare is a federal program to help older Americans and some disabled Americans pay for the high cost of health care. Medicare health plans provide different ways to get your health care coverage. The Medicare health plan that you choose affects many things like cost, benefits, doctor choice, convenience, and quality. Need some help understanding your choices for Medicare coverage? Here is a brief explanation of the types of Medicare plans available to you.

The Original Medicare Plan – Original Medicare (covered by the government) pays for many health care services and supplies, but it doesn’t pay all of your health care costs. There are costs that you must pay, like coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles. These costs are called “gaps” in Medicare coverage. You might want to consider buying a Medicare Supplement policy to cover these gaps in coverage. You can also add prescription drug coverage by joining a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. With Original Medicare coverage, you can go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare. For more information about Original Medicare, visit Medicare.gov*.  

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans – These are health insurance policies sold by insurance companies to fill the "gaps" in the Original Medicare Plan. Medicare Supplement policies help you pay some of the health care costs that the Original Medicare Plan doesn't cover. Learn more about Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans.

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans – These plans cover both brand name and generic prescriptions at participating pharmacies. You can join a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan offered by a private insurer or you can join a Medicare Advantage plan that includes prescription drug coverage. Learn more about Blue MedicareRx.

Medicare Advantage Plans – Medicare Advantage plans offer all the coverage of Original Medicare, plus they may offer additional benefits not available through Medicare, including coverage for services like vision, care, and preventive care. These plans can include “built-in” Medicare prescription drug coverage. Learn more about Blue Medicare PPO.