What are the different types of Medicare health plans?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B)

Original Medicare includes Part A – Hospital coverage, and Part B – Medical coverage. Once you sign up for Medicare, you receive a red, white and blue Medicare card. Once enrolled in Medicare you may be charged a 20 percent copayment for health care services (20% of your health care bill) that Original Medicare does not cover. This is why some seniors chose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) for additional health care cost coverage. These additional plans help to cover that 20 percent of health care costs that Original Medicare does not cover. You can view a Medicare Card Frequently Asked Questions document here.

Original Medicare with a drug plan (Medicare Part A, Part B and Part D)

There are Medicare Part D Drug Plans available to add to Original Medicare. A Part D Drug Plan will help cover the cost of your prescription drugs. There could be a monthly premium to enroll in a Part D plan.

Medicare Advantage Plan without a drug plan (Medicare Part C)

The government contracts with private insurance companies, like Capital Blue Cross, to offer Medicare Advantage plans. The Medicare Advantage Part C coverage helps pay the 20 percent of health care costs that Original Medicare does not cover. Many Medicare Advantage plans also have limited coverage for dental, hearing and vision services. It can also include other benefits, such as over-the-counter drug reimbursement, fitness classes, and transportation to doctor appointments. These plans may have a monthly premium, and/or a copayment for certain health care services. You can choose a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) or a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan.

Medicare Advantage Plan with a prescription drug plan (Medicare Part C and Part D)

Some Medicare Advantage Plans offer Part D drug coverage in combination with the Part C benefits mentioned above. These plans may have a monthly premium and a copayment for certain health services and your prescriptions. To learn more about Capital Blue Cross Medicare Advantage options, view our Capital Blue Cross Medicare plans.

Other options to look at.

Medicare Supplement Plan without a drug plan (Part A, Part B and Supplement)

A Medicare supplement plan with a prescription drug benefit covers some of the gaps that Original Medicare does not pay. Original Medicare is your primary insurance. A supplement plan helps cover some health care and additional prescription plan costs like copays, coinsurance and deductibles.

Medicare Supplement Plan with a drug plan (Part A, Part B, Part D and Supplement)

A Medicare supplement plan with a prescription drug benefit covers some of the gaps that Original Medicare does not pay. Original Medicare is your primary insurance. A supplement plan helps cover some health care and additional prescription plan costs like copays, coinsurance and deductibles.