888-765-5400Did You Know? – Blue Cross Blue Shield NC and Medicare
Transitioning into Medicare can be a big adjustment, especially for those individuals now living on a fixed income, but Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina can help make that transition simpler. Did you know, for instance, that Medicare will provide extra help for prescription drug costs for certain individuals who meet specified income and resource limits. Similar to a federal subsidy under the Affordable Care Act for individual under-65 health plans, Medicare offers assistance to those who meet certain criteria. If you do qualify, you could receive extra help paying for your Medicare drug plan.
Some people may automatically qualify for this program. For instance, if you have Medicare and become eligible for Medicaid or if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits without Medicaid, you will likely qualify. Medicare usually notifies those who automatically qualify and do not need to apply. Keep in mind, you must be enrolled in a Medicare drug plan in order to receive the extra help benefit.
For those individuals who do not qualify automatically, you can still apply if you believe you may be eligible for assistance. You can apply at your state Medicaid office or call 1-800-MEDICARE. If you qualify, you can then join a prescription drug plan on your own or let Medicare enroll you in a plan.
Knowing your Medicare options is one of the smartest things you can do to ensure you have the coverage you need for health care and prescription drug costs. In addition to original Medicare, you may want to consider a Medicare Supplement through Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC to help fill the gaps left by Medicare.
For questions regarding NC health insurance and your Medicare options, speak with one of our experienced agents by calling 888-765-5400 or visit our website at nchealthplans.com.