How do I know what coverage is right for me?

Who is this for?

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If you’re shopping for a Medicare plan, this information can help you choose the coverage that fits your needs.

You have choices when it comes to Medicare coverage. And that's a good thing. Everyone has different health care needs.

Choosing the right plan for you starts with finding out what's offered and matching a plan with the particular benefits you're looking for.

You'll also have to find the sweet spot that balances the lowest out-of-pocket costs with a monthly payment you can afford. 

Here are some steps that can help you weed through the choices to find the best plan for you.

Step 1: Understand how Medicare works

First, understand the basics of Medicare and how the Parts work together.

Step 2: Determine your health care needs

How much do you use your insurance? Do you see the doctor a lot? Do you take prescription drugs regularly? Or are you fairly healthy and rarely go to the hospital? These are just some of the questions to ask as you think about what kind of plan you need.

Tip: If you travel, you should think about plans that have nationwide coverage and pay for some of the costs of emergency care outside the U.S.
 

Step 3: Understand your coverage choices

Once you have an idea of what's offered, you'll decide if Original Medicare offers enough coverage for you. A Medicare Advantage plan has all the benefits of Original Medicare and more. We also offer plans that supplement Medicare.

Tip: Unlike the private insurance you're used to from your working years, Medicare doesn't have an out-of-pocket limit. If you want a cap on the total amount you'll pay in a year, consider a Medicare Advantage plan.
 

Step 4: Enroll in a plan

When you're ready, you can enroll in a plan. If you opt for Original Medicare, you'll have to enroll through Social Security.

If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan, call the private insurance company that you've picked.

There are important times and dates to remember for signing up if you want to make sure your coverage starts on time.

Step 5: Maximize your benefits

Once you pick a plan, make sure you get the most out of it. Some plans cover annual check-ups and immunizations. Other plans include a fitness club membership. Some plans even offer a consultant who will work with you to get the most out of your plan.

 

Important information about your plan

The Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copays listed are based on the 2023 numbers approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. You can go to any hospital, doctor or other health care provider in the U.S. or its territories that accepts medicare. You don't have to use our network. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan administers Blue Cross medicare Supplement plans. Where you live, your age, gender and whether you use nicotine products (including e-cigarettes, vaping, and nicotine patches or gum) may affect what you pay for your plan. Your health status may also affect what you pay. This is a solicitation of insurance. We may contact you about buying insurance. Blue Cross Medicare Supplement plans aren't connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. 

If you're currently enrolled in Plan A or Plan C, you can stay with your plan as long as you pay your premium. You may enroll in Plan C if you've lost coverage under a group policy after becoming eligible for Medicare. You're also eligible if you had Plan C, then enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, and now would like to return to Plan C. You can do this as long as it's within the first 12 months of your Medicare Advantage plan. You're automatically eligible for Plan A if you're 65 or older. If you're under age 65, you are eligible for Plan A if you've lost coverage under a group policy after becoming eligible for Medicare. You can also enroll if you had Plan A, then enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, and now would like to return to Plan A. You can do this as long as it's within the first 12 months of your Medicare Advantage plan. You'll need to meet these requirements to apply for these plans.