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Medicare can be complicated. Choosing a plan can sometimes feel like being lost without a map. At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, we're here to guide you so you can find the plan that works best for you. When it comes to Medicare coverage, there are generally two paths you can take: Original Medicare plus Medicare Supplement and a standalone prescription drug plan, or Medicare Advantage.

First, let's look at path one. In path one, you choose to add Medicare Supplement and Medicare Part D to Original Medicare. This is because Original Medicare wasn't designed to cover all your medical costs alone. Medicare Supplement plans are offered by private insurers like Blue Cross NC. They cover coinsurance, deductibles, or charges greater than the amount allowed by Medicare. Think of it as insurance that helps protect you from unexpected costs. Next, many people buy a standalone drug plan to ensure they have prescription coverage. If you choose not to have prescription coverage, you may have to pay a penalty from the federal government. These standalone prescription drug plans are offered by private insurers like Blue Cross NC. If you want vision or dental coverage, you can add these standalone plans as well. 

Now let's take a look at path two. In path two, your coverage is bundled into one, easy-to-manage Medicare Advantage plans. Blue Medicare Advantage plans include the same coverage as parts A and B, but with extra benefits. Most include prescription drug coverage, and some may include benefits or allowances for dental and vision, low or no-cost gym memberships, hearing aid discounts, and post-discharge meal plans. Medicare Advantage also has an out-of-pocket cap. Once you hit the cap, the plan pays 100% of the covered costs, not you.

Each plan has its benefits, depending on your needs. Path one allows you to see any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide. This is a great option for those who travel often or who prefer this flexibility. Path two provides the convenience of all-in-one coverage under one plan. Many Medicare Advantage plans also offer coverage at a lower overall cost than path one. By using doctors and hospitals within the network, the plan is able to pass on additional savings to you.

Whatever your needs, there's a Blue Medicare plan for you. With a Blue Medicare plan from Blue Cross NC, you can choose confidently, knowing you're backed by the strength of our network and supported by local customer care specialists across our state. To learn more about Blue Medicare, visit us at medicare.bluecrossnc.com.