888-765-5400Is Medicare Enough Coverage? – Medicare Supplements through BCBSNC
If you are turning 65 and are newly eligible for Medicare, you may be asking yourself this important question: Is Medicare enough coverage to meet your health care needs? Here are some facts to keep in mind as you are exploring your Medicare options:
Medicare Parts A and B, which are also known as Original Medicare, are run by the federal government and if you have these two parts, the government will pay the doctors and hospitals you visit. However, not every expense will necessarily be covered and you may want to consider a Medicare Supplement.
Part A covers the following:
- Inpatient hospital care services
- Inpatient care for nursing homes and other skilled nursing facilities
- Hospice care
Part A pays most hospital costs, but only for stays that last up to 60 days annually. After 60 days, you will be responsible for paying a daily copayment and if you are hospitalized for more than 90 days, you may have to pay for all of your care, which could add up quickly.
Part B covers the following:
- Doctor visits
- Outpatient care (including preventive services)
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Home health care services (medically required)
Although Part B does not limit how many covered medical services you get, some services, such as preventive care and screenings, may be limited.
Because there are limitations, Original Medicare may not meet all of your health care needs or cover enough of your expenses and you may want to consider a Medicare Supplement from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. A Medicare Supplement can help cover copayments and coinsurance after your Original Medicare benefits have been exhausted. Because Original Medicare is not fully comprehensive, it’s important for you to get the facts on what your Medicare will and will not pay and consider whether or not additional coverage is right for you.
For more information on North Carolina health insurance coverage, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.