Let’s Talk Medicare | Blue Cross NC

Let’s Talk Medicare

Everything you need to know about Medicare as a member of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) – As you approach retirement and Medicare eligibility, it’s good to know that you can stick with Blue.

Download Your Guide

For more information and to speak to one of our Medicare Experts
call 855-258-3083, (TTY: 711), from 8 AM–8 PM ET, 7 days a week.

Here for you now, here for your future.

At Blue Cross NC, we offer Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) to meet your needs and budget.

When you choose Blue Cross NC for your Medicare plan, you choose a legacy of service and support that began in 1933. It is our commitment to your health and wellbeing that has made our Medicare plans preferred by more North Carolinians than any other plan.¹

We’re here to help you plan for a healthy, secure future.

Let’s start with the basics

Our short videos will guide you through what Medicare is, how to enroll and how to choose a plan that works for you. Find more videos on how to navigate Medicare.

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[SCREEN TEXT] What is Medicare?

If you're nearing the age of 65 there's no better time to learn about Medicare than right now.

So what is Medicare

Medicare is health insurance provided by the federal government. You can also choose additional Medicare benefits from private insurers like Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.

It is available to people aged 65 and older and for people of any age who have certain disabilities.

Medicare has four parts A B C and D.

Part A provides hospital benefits such as inpatient hospital care skilled nursing care and hospice.

Part B provides medical benefits such as doctor visits labs emergency room services and some preventive care like flu shots.

Parts A and B are managed by the federal government. You can choose to enroll in A or B or you can choose both A and B. Parts A and B together are referred to as original Medicare.

[SCREEN TEXT] A + B Original Medicare

You may have noticed that prescription drugs are not covered by either part A or part B. That's where part D comes in.

Unlike parts A and B, Part D is not directly covered by the federal government.

[SCREEN TEXT] A stand-alone prescription drug plan

It is a standalone prescription drug plan offered by private insurers like Blue Cross NC.

To add Part D prescription drug benefits, you must enroll in parts A and B.

[SCREEN TEXT] C Medicare Advantage

Medicare Part C gives you another option to get the right benefits for you also known as Medicare Advantage.

Part C is available through private insurers like Blue Cross NC. Part C or Medicare Advantage includes Part A and Part B. Plus it also usually includes prescription drug benefits.

Some Medicare Advantage plans also include dental, vision, hearing, and other supplemental benefits.

[SCREEN TEXT] Let's talk about your options!

Be sure to ask us about available plans and the different benefits they provide including

[SCREEN TEXT] Medicare Supplement

Medicare supplement plans which can help you pay for costs not covered by original Medicare.

Still have questions? Download our Medicare answer guide and checklist.

[SCREEN TEXT] Download our Medicare answer guide and checklist.

And for more information about how to enroll don't forget to check out our companion video “Enrolling in Medicare”.

[SCREEN TEXT] Watch our companion video “Enrolling in Medicare”.

[SCREEN TEXT] There's more behind Blue for you.

Choosing the right Medicare options for you can be complicated. We're here to help simplify your choices. See why BlueCross NC is preferred by more North Carolinians than any other plan.

[SCREEN TEXT] Over 60,000 in-network providers

[SCREEN TEXT] 100% local customer care

[SCREEN TEXT] Over 90 years serving North Carolina

[SCREEN TEXT] BlueCross NC Medicare

[SCREEN TEXT] Download guide

[SCREEN TEXT] Watch next video

[MUSIC PLAYING]

[SCREEN TEXT] What you need to know to enroll in Medicare.

Once you've found your ideal coverage you'll want to know how and when to enroll.

[SCREEN TEXT] When am I eligible to enroll if I am retiring (or already retired)?

For retirees you can enroll during your initial enrollment period.

[SCREEN TEXT] Initial Enrollment Period

Your initial enrollment period runs from 3 months before your 65th birthday until 3 months after your birthday.

If you're not retiring at 65 talk to your HR benefit specialist about your Medicare options while you're still employed.

[SCREEN TEXT] Month of eligibility

You'll have opportunities to change plans each year depending on which plan you are enrolled in during the annual enrollment period.

Anyone with Medicare can change their coverage.

[SCREEN TEXT] Annual Enrollment Period: October 15 through December 7

Annual enrollment is from October 15th through December 7th.

During the open enrollment period, those with Medicare Advantage can switch plans.

[SCREEN TEXT] Medicare Advantage

Open enrollment is from January 1st through March 31st.

[SCREEN TEXT] Open Enrollment Period: January 1 through March 31

[SCREEN TEXT] For current members on our Blue Medicare Supplement plans, you can elect to change plan during renewal or with our Blue to Blue program.

Members who have Blue Medicare supplement plans can change plans during renewal or during an additional designated period with our Blue to Blue program.

[SCREEN TEXT] What is Blue-to-Blue?

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina gives you the flexibility to switch Medicare supplement plans without additional health questions or medical exams between October 1st and December 31st of each year.

[SCREEN TEXT] To learn more about Blue Medicare or to enroll, visit us at medicare.bluecrossnc.com.

Blue to Blue is just one of the many ways we make planning for your future a little easier. To learn more about Blue Medicare or to enroll, visit us at medicare.bluecrossnc.com.

[SCREEN TEXT] BlueCross NC Medicare

Explaining Medicare

Want more information on what Medicare is and what it means to you?

Learn About Medicare Basics

When is the “right” time to think about Medicare?

Short answer: There’s no wrong time to plan for the future. This timeline will walk you through the process before, during and after you become eligible for Medicare.

Now is a great time to start learning about Medicare. If you’re covered by your employer’s plan, learn what’s available for retirees and employees 65 and older. If you have an individual or family plan, compare it with available Medicare plans. View our Medicare Guide (PDF) for an easy-to-follow walkthrough of coverage options, enrollment periods and more.

Review your latest Social Security statement for accuracy, and contact Social Security to confirm your eligibility for Medicare. Visit ssa.gov, or call 800-772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778).

If you'll be choosing Original Medicare for your coverage, Blue Cross NC allows you to enroll in a Blue Medicare Supplement plan up to six months before your 65th birthday with guaranteed acceptance.²

It’s time to enroll! Go to ssa.gov or a Social Security office near you to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B. After you sign up for Parts A and B, you can select a Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement² or Medicare Rx (Part D) plan. This enrollment period, also known as your Initial Enrollment Period, begins three months before your month of eligibility and ends three months after your month of eligibility. Here, we refer to your month of eligibility as your 65th birthday, but that may be different for you. You can check your eligibility at ssa.gov.

Financial assistance may be available to help pay your Medicare premiums. To see if you qualify, contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778).

Note: Medicare Supplement plans from Blue Cross NC allow you to enroll up to six months after your initial enrollment in Medicare Part B, with guaranteed acceptance.²

You’re right in the middle of your Initial Enrollment Period. Be sure to sign up for Medicare in the three months before or after your 65th birthday to avoid paying a higher premium. These higher premiums are required by the federal government. If you plan to enroll through an employer plan, there is no penalty for waiting to enroll after the Initial Enrollment Period.

Financial assistance may be available to help pay your Medicare premiums. To see if you qualify, contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778).

Note: Medicare Supplement plans from Blue Cross NC allow you to enroll up to six months after your initial enrollment in Medicare Part B, with guaranteed acceptance.²

This is your last chance to enroll in Medicare under your Initial Enrollment Period. If you enroll after the Initial Enrollment Period, you may have to pay a higher premium set by the federal government. If you plan to enroll through an employer plan, there is no penalty for waiting to enroll.

Financial assistance may be available to help pay your Medicare premiums. To see if you qualify, contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778).

Note: Medicare Supplement plans from Blue Cross NC allow you to enroll up to six months after your initial enrollment in Medicare Part B, with guaranteed acceptance.²

After you’ve enrolled in Medicare, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor to establish baseline care. At this visit, you and your doctor will discuss your health and family history, make sure you’re up to date with preventive screenings, and discuss a go-forward approach for your health and wellness. Medicare Advantage members in select areas can enjoy a dedicated team of providers, more time with your doctor, and shorter wait times when choosing an Advanced Primary Care provider with your Medicare Advantage plan.

If you haven't retired yet, check with your employer's human resources manager, benefits specialist or a Blue Cross NC agent to learn about your options.

In some cases, if you keep your current coverage and wait until later to join Medicare, you may have fewer choices and/or pay more.

Blue Medicare: Covering the needs of NC

There are several paths to take when it comes to Medicare, and several ways to bundle benefits into a plan that works for you.

Blue Cross NC offers Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) to meet your needs, lifestyle and budget. Once you enroll in Original Medicare, you’re eligible to pick one of our plans. Take a look at what’s included in each plan below.

Blue Medicare Advantage

Blue Medicare Advantage℠ combines Medicare Parts A and B coverage with extra benefits like fitness memberships³ and discounts on hearing aids. All of our plans include dental, vision and hearing, and most include prescription drug coverage.⁴

Learn More

Blue Medicare Supplement

Also known as Medigap coverage, Medicare Supplement℠ plans help with costs left over from Original Medicare, such as copayments, deductibles and coinsurance.

Learn More

Blue Medicare Rx (PDP)

Also known as Part D, Blue Medicare Rx℠ is a Prescription Drug Plan that covers costs for prescription medications in combination with Original Medicare or with a Medicare Supplement plan.

Learn More

Get more when you go Blue

As North Carolina’s local, home-state insurer for nearly a century, we understand the needs of North Carolinians better than anyone. Our goal is to make health care more affordable, easier to navigate and accessible for all – starting with you.

Large network

With over 60,000 providers⁵, Blue Medicare gives you more flexibility to choose your own care team.

More options

Our plans offer a broad array of extra benefits like fitness memberships, non-emergency transportation services and more.

Local support

Our Medicare Plan Experts are across the state to help you find the right plan for today and tomorrow.

Browse our plans

You can use our Medicare Plan Finder to browse plans, or log in to Blue Connect^℠ for personalized recommendations designed exclusively for members moving to Medicare.

If you’d rather speak to a person, our Medicare Plan Experts are available 7 days a week from 8 AM–8 PM ET and can be reached at 855-258-3038 (TTY: 711).

Browse Plans

Enroll Now!

If you’ve verified your eligibility with the Social Security Administration, you can start the enrollment process online right now. You can also call one of our Medicare Plan Experts at 855-258-3038 (TTY: 711). They’re available 7 days a week, 8 AM–8 PM ET, and can help walk you through the process.

Verify Eligibility

Enroll Online

Visit our Blue Cross NC locations

Our Medicare Plan Experts are available to discuss your options and help you find the plan that’s right for you. Give us a call, stop in or attend an information session. We’re happy to help. Check for additional locations.

855-258-3083 (TTY: 711)
7 days a week, 8 AM–8 PM ET

We provide accommodations for people with disabilities. Call the number above for assistance.

Schedule an Appointment

Boone

2640 North Carolina 105, Suite 101
Boone, NC 28607

Toll free: 888-275-7513, x3

Center Hours
Monday – Friday: 9 AM - 6 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed

Charlotte

2336 Freedom Drive, Suite C
Charlotte, NC 28208

Toll free: 888-275-7513, x2

Center Hours
Monday – Friday: 9 AM - 6 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed

Raleigh

Brier Creek Commons Shopping Center
8511 Brier Creek Parkway, Suite 107
Raleigh, NC 27617

Toll free: 888-275-7513, x1

Center Hours
Monday – Friday: 9 AM - 6 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed

Disclosures:

Blue Cross NC internal membership data as of June 2024.
For Medicare Supplement to qualify for guaranteed acceptance, you must meet all of the following criteria: You must be age 65 or older and eligible for Medicare (or under age 65 and eligible for Medicare by reason of disability); you must enroll within six months of enrolling in Medicare Part B; you must not be covered by certain Medicaid programs; you must be a North Carolina resident.
This is a non-insurance offering.
Available on select plans.
Blue Cross NC Internal data May 2024.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an HMO, HMO-POS, PPO and PDP plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina depends on contract renewal.

Blue Cross NC’s Blue Medicare Supplement plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.

Blue Medicare Supplement plans offered: Plan A: BMS A, 1/24, Plan G: BMS G, 1/24, Plan HI DED G: BMS HDG, 1/24, Plan K: BMS K, 1/24, Plan N: BMS N, 1/24.

Y0079_13468_M CMS Accepted 06142025 | U47128, 6/25

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in its health programs and activities. Learn more about our non-discrimination policy and no-cost services available to you.

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^© 2025 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. ^®, SM Marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. Blue Cross NC is an abbreviation for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.