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Turning 65 is a big milestone and transitioning into Medicare can be an overwhelming prospect.\u00a0 With Original Medicare Parts A and B, various other Medicare options,\u00a0and Medicare Supplements offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC<\/a>, it can be tough to figure out which plan is best for you.\u00a0 Although understanding Medicare and what it covers may take some getting used to, at NC Health Plans <\/a>we want to make it as easy as possible.\u00a0 Here are a few basic things to keep in mind as you begin researching your Medicare options.<\/p>\n Not Everyone is Eligible for Medicare:<\/strong><\/p>\n If you do not meet these requirements, you can contact the Medicare office to find out if you are eligible to apply under other special circumstances.<\/p>\n There are specific Enrollment periods for Medicare:<\/strong><\/p>\n Like under 65 individual health plans, you cannot just enroll in Medicare whenever you choose.\u00a0 The federal government has established specific enrollment periods and if you do not enroll during these times, you could pay a penalty in addition to your premium.\u00a0 Understanding these enrollment periods is very important.<\/p>\n Not all Medicare plans are the same:<\/strong><\/p>\n Enrolling in Medicare does not come without choices and not every Medicare plan is the same.\u00a0 Do some research to determine which Medicare plan offers you the coverage and benefits you need.\u00a0 Once you are eligible for original Medicare, you may want to look closely at obtaining a Medicare Supplement<\/a>, which can help fill in the gaps not covered by Medicare.\u00a0 Although Original\u00a0Medicare is offered by the federal government, in most cases a Medicare supplement plan <\/a>is needed to\u00a0offset health costs.<\/p>\n\n
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