Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Blue Cross and Blue Shield offers great plan options that can maintain your coverage after you turn 65. Find a Medicare plan option that works for you.

Medicare Advantage plans provide Medicare coverage through private health insurance companies approved to participate in the Medicare program. These plans can be HMOs, PPOs, Regional PPOs or Private Fee-for-Service plans.

Medicare Advantage plans provide all Part A and Part B (Original Medicare) services while including some additional services, such as wellness programs, hearing aids and vision services. These plans also tend to have lower cost sharing overall and maximum out of pocket costs for each calendar year — a feature not available through Original Medicare.

Find the Best Medicare Plan for You

For more than 90 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies have been putting members first, which is why most doctors trust us for Medicare coverage. Explore what Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies have to offer by entering your ZIP Code to find Medicare coverage that fits your needs.

  • If you receive insurance through an employer, please enter the ZIP Code. If you need further help identifying your BCBS company, please contact the employer who provides your insurance for assistance.
  • If you do not receive your insurance though an employer, please enter the ZIP Code for where you live.

Some employers offer BCBS Medicare coverage to their eligible retirees. To find out if you are eligible, reach out to your company benefits representative.

Select BCBS Provider

Federal employees, retirees and their families are insured by the Federal Employees Program (FEP).

Part C Costs

Premium

All Medicare Advantage plans require that you continue to pay your Part B insurance premium. You might also have to pay a separate monthly insurance premium for your ​​Medicare Advantage plan.

Deductible

Some plans have deductibles. 

Copays

A copayment may apply to specific service, such as doctor office visits.

Coinsurance

Cost sharing amounts may apply to specific services.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses

All Medicare Advantage plans have an annual limit on your out-of-pocket expenses to ensure predictability for your budget, which is a feature not available through Original Medicare.

Limits and Considerations

Limits

Medicare Advantage plans, including the BCBS options, have a broad network of physicians and hospitals where you can receive care. Ask your physician if they participate in your health insurance plan's Medicare Advantage Network.

Things to Consider

  • Medicare Advantage plans, such as PPO and HMO plans, generally include prescription drug coverage.
  • Your annual costs may vary depending on the premiums, copayments, coinsurance and benefits of the plan you select.
  • Medicare Advantage plans may have copayments or cost sharing amounts on Medicare covered services that differ from the cost sharing amounts in Original Medicare.
  • Medicare Advantage plans may change their monthly premiums and benefits each year. This also occurs in Original Medicare, as Part B premiums, standard deductibles and cost sharing amounts generally change annually on January 1.

Medicare Eligibility

Unsure if you’re eligible? Let us help you figure out where you stand. You are generally entitled to Medicare if you meet any of the following criteria:

  • You are aged 65 or above.
  • You are disabled and have received disability benefits from Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits.
  • You have been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, “Lou Gehrig’s disease”).

Understanding Eligibility

Learn more about Medicare enrollment and eligibility.

Find the Best Medicare Plan for You

For more than 90 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies have been putting members first, which is why most doctors trust us for Medicare coverage. Explore what Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies have to offer by entering your ZIP Code to find Medicare coverage that fits your needs.

  • If you receive insurance through an employer, please enter the ZIP Code. If you need further help identifying your BCBS company, please contact the employer who provides your insurance for assistance.
  • If you do not receive your insurance though an employer, please enter the ZIP Code for where you live.

Some employers offer BCBS Medicare coverage to their eligible retirees. To find out if you are eligible, reach out to your company benefits representative.

Select BCBS Provider

Federal employees, retirees and their families are insured by the Federal Employees Program (FEP).

Medicare overview information on this website was developed by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association to help consumers understand certain aspects about Medicare. Viewing this Medicare overview does not require you to enroll in any Blue Cross Blue Shield plans. Plans are insured and offered through separate Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans are offered by a Medicare Advantage organization and/or Part D plan sponsor with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. To find out about premiums and terms for these and other insurance options, how to apply for coverage, and for much more information, reach out to your local BCBS company. Each Blue Cross and Blue Shield company is responsible for the information it provides. For more information about Medicare, including a complete list of plans available in your area, please contact the Medicare program at 1.800.MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1.877.486.2048) or visit www.medicare.gov.

Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.