888-765-5400Why Get a Medicare Supplement? – BCBSNC Has the Answer
Medicare Supplements through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina are a great way for individuals already enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B to fill the coverage gaps left by Original Medicare. Although some people who have a Medicare plan may also have supplemental coverage provided by a former employer to help pay health care costs not covered by Medicare, many do not. If you don’t have access to employer coverage, you may choose to select a Medicare Supplement through a private carrier such as BCBSNC.
You can enroll in a Medicare Supplement through Blue Cross Blue Shield NC and have guaranteed issue (meaning you cannot be denied coverage) during the Initial Enrollment Period. This period begins the first day of the month in which an applicant is both age 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. This is the very best time to enroll in a Medicare Supplement. There are, however, other special circumstances when a Medicare eligible person loses their current coverage through no fault of their own when they may be eligible for a Medicare Supplement through BCBSNC on a guaranteed issue basis.
Medicare Supplements cover what are called “core” benefits as well as most, if not all, of the Original Medicare Plan coinsurance and outpatient copayment amounts. They may also cover Original Medicare Plan deductibles. The Medicare Supplement Core Benefits are:
- Medicare Part A coinsurance amount for days 61-90 and days 91-150 of hospitalization
- Coverage of up to 365 more days of hospitalization during a member’s lifetime after exhausting Medicare hospital benefits
- The coinsurance or copayment amount for Medicare Part B services after meeting the yearly deductible
- The first three pints of blood per calendar year
- Hospice benefit
Some Medicare Supplement policies cover extra benefits such as Skilled Nursing Coinsurance and Foreign Travel Emergency as well.
If you are turning or have recently turned 65 or if you are enrolled in Medicare due to a disability, a Medicare Supplement can give you the peace of mind of knowing your health care costs will be covered when it counts. For more information on Medicare Supplements offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina or to discuss all of your Medicare options, contact one of our licensed agents today.
For more information on North Carolina 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.