Our Medicare plan options

Some people get Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B automatically, and other people have to sign up. In most cases, it depends on whether you're getting Social Security benefits. You can learn more at Medicare.gov.

There are two opportunities for everyone to switch plans: the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) October 15 to December 7 and the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) January 1 to March 31.

For example, if you enroll or switch plans in the fall but decide you don't like the plan once your coverage begins in January, you can switch back to Original Medicare or another Medicare Advantage plan before March 31.

You can also change plans anytime you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. Visit Medicare.gov for more information about Special Enrollment Periods.

Medicare Supplement Insurance, sometimes called Medigap, are policies offered by private insurers and are standardized by the federal government. These plans help fill gaps in Original Medicare and may cover some or all of the costs not covered by Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.

Original Medicare is Medicare Parts A and B. It is administered by the federal government. 

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is provided by private insurance companies, like Blue Cross NC. It covers the same types of care as Medicare Parts A and B but lowers your share of the costs when you use doctors and hospitals that are part of the plan's network.