Even though there are many Medicare plans available, there are just two paths to find the right coverage. You can pair Original Medicare with other Medicare plans to get the coverage you need. Or you can choose the all-in-one-coverage of a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan.
Everything starts with Original Medicare. You can choose to have only that coverage, but adding other Medicare options may give you more benefits. And it may help manage your out-of-pocket costs. Here are ways you can enhance Original Medicare, along with some pros and cons to compare.
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With a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll still pay your Part B premium. But you won’t use your red, white and blue Original Medicare card to get care. Instead, you’ll present your all-in-one Medicare Advantage card to get access to the care and benefits you need.
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Sometimes you just want someone to spell out the exact right combination for you.
SPEAKER 1: But how do I figure out what I need?
SPEAKER 2: Before I retired, I talked to my doctor about my health care needs, and that gave me a good idea of what costs I might need covered. Depending on what Medicare plan you choose, you may or may not have to change doctors or switch which prescriptions you take. So those are good things to weigh when researching plans. Remember that website I showed you, Stay With Blue?
SPEAKER 1: Mm-hmm.
SPEAKER 2: It has a great tool called Help Me Choose. It lets you compare any three plans, including your current plan. You can choose which ones to compare or it can give you recommendations of what's available to you. The tool shows you providers, pharmacies, and prescriptions. So if you're already a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico member, it's easy to compare what's covered by the new plan versus your current plan.
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Answer a few simple questions and we’ll provide you with a personalized timeline. You’ll also receive reminders with important information and actions you can take to stay on track as you near your Medicare eligibility.
Create My Timeline →Get started with your member login. Verify your information and see personalized recommendations based on lowest cost and most comprehensive coverage. Compare your options, contact an agent and enroll, all in one easy-to-use tool.
Help MeAs our valued member, you have access to exclusive resources and assistance. We’re here to help you make a smooth transition to Medicare. Call us to learn more.
1-800-000-0000 (TTY 711)We’re open between 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., local time, 7 days a week. If you’re calling from April 1 through September 30, alternate technologies (for example, voicemail) will be used on the weekends and holidays.