If you are transitioning into Medicare either because you are turning 65 or have become newly eligible due to a
disability, you will likely want to consider enrolling in a Medicare Supplement.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina can help. Because traditional Medicare, Parts A & B, do not cover some medical expenses, it’s important to understand what other options are available to you to help supplement your Medicare and offset your out of pocket health care costs.

Even before you are eligible for Medicare, you can begin reviewing your options.  Explore Medicare Supplements and begin deciding what plans work best for you.  Consult with a licensed Medicare Agent to discuss available plans and begin thinking about what kind of plan best fits your budget and your lifestyle.  Keep in mind that Medicare Supplements through Blue Cross Blue Shield are accepted by all Medicare providers.  Remember that the best time to enroll in a Medicare Supplement is during your initial enrollment period.

Medicare Supplements are designed to fill the gaps that exist in a traditional Medicare plan and can give you the peace of mind of knowing you will have the coverage you need when you need it most.  Supplements can help pay your Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copayments and can significantly reduce your out of pocket expenses.

For more information on North Carolina insurance coverage, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.

Transitioning into Medicare can be a big adjustment, especially for those individuals now living on a fixed income, but Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina can help make that transition simpler.  Did you know, for instance, that Medicare will provide extra help for prescription drug costs for certain individuals who meet specified income and resource limits.  Similar to a federal subsidy under the Affordable Care Act for individual under-65 health plans, Medicare offers assistance to those who meet certain criteria.  If you do qualify, you could receive extra help paying for your Medicare drug plan.

Some people may automatically qualify for this program.  For instance, if you have Medicare and become eligible for Medicaid or if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits without Medicaid, you will likely qualify.  Medicare usually notifies those who automatically qualify and do not need to apply.  Keep in mind, you must be enrolled in a Medicare drug plan in order to receive the extra help benefit. (more…)