Medicare Products|Medicare Basics|Turning 65|Attend a Seminar

Medicare Basics

What are my options for Medicare coverage?

Medicare is a federal program to help eligible Americans pay for the high cost of health care. Medicare and Medicare Supplement 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 (offered 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. Visit the Medicare Web site* for more information about Original Medicare.

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 our Medicare Supplement insurance plans.

Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans – These plans cover both brand name and generic prescriptions at participating pharmacies. Learn more about our prescription drug plan, Blue MedicareRx.

Medicare Advantage Plans – This program offers medical and prescription drug coverage that replaces Original Medicare (Parts A & B). Benefits are administered through an established plan network of providers, such as an HMO or PPO; however, not all plans are available in all areas. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois does not offer a Medicare Advantage plan.