Understanding Medicare
Learn how Medicare Parts A, B, C and D work and what each covers.
How Medicare works
Medicare is a government health insurance program for Americans who are 65 or older and younger people who have certain disabilities and receive Social Security benefits.
Medicare facts to know
- You can sign up for Medicare at age 65, even if you’re not ready to retire
- Medicare pays for approximately 80% of medical expenses and covers only certain types of care. Additional Medicare coverage from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota can help pay some of your additional healthcare costs.
- You may pay a penalty if you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B and Part D coverage when you first become eligible
What is Medicare
The four parts of Medicare
Medicare is made up of four parts: A, B, C and D.
Each part provides partial coverage to help pay for your healthcare expenses.
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Part A
(Hospital coverage)
Original Medicare
Partial coverage for:
- Inpatient hospital stay
- Skilled nursing care
- Hospice
- Home care
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Part B
(Medical coverage)
Original Medicare
Partial coverage for:
- Doctors visits
- Surgery
- Lab tests
- Medical equipment
- Preventive exams
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Part C
(Medicare Advantage plans)
Private insurers and health plans
Similar to Parts A & B with predictable out-of-pocket costs and more coverage.
Often fully covers:
- Wellness services
- Vision exams
- Hearing exams
Often partially covers:
- Eye glasses
- Hearing aids
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Part D
(Prescription drug plans)
Private insurers and health plans
Helps with the cost of prescription drugs not covered by Original Medicare.
Covers some:
- Prescription drugs
Support and resources
Understanding Medicare
Use this free step-by-step guide to learn about the essentials of Medicare. It covers the four parts of Medicare, when to enroll, how to avoid penalties and more.
Download Step-by-Step Guide — English (coming soon)
Download Step-by-Step Guide — Spanish (coming soon)
It doesn't have to be hard
Our Blue Cross Advisors are here to:
- Help you learn about Medicare basics and our plans
- Assist you in finding a plan that meets your needs
- Help you enroll in a plan
Blue Cross offers Cost, PPO, and PDP plans with Medicare contracts. Enrollment in these Blue Cross plans depends on contract renewal.
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