Path 1
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) + Supplemental Coverage
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Part A
Provided by the federal government.
- Inpatient care in hospitals
- Skilled nursing facility care
- Hospice care
- Home health care
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Part B
Provided by the federal government with a premium based on monthly income.
- Physician services
- Ambulance services
- Mental health
- Durable medical equipment
- Some preventive service
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Supplemental Coverage
Provided by private insurance companies, like Blue Cross NC.
Medicare Supplement Plan
Helps cover the costs not fully covered by Medicare Parts A and B.
Part D (Medicare PDP)
Helps cover your prescription drug costs.
Path 1 Perks
Nationwide Coverage
Your coverage is good coast-to-coast at any Medicare-accepting provider.
Flexibility
You have the freedom to travel and see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare.
International Travel Benefits
Some plans offer coverage for emergency care while traveling outside the country.
Path 2
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
What is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage plans are PPO or HMO plans offered by private insurance companies like Blue Cross NC.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include:
Medicare Parts A and B
Coverage for all the same services as Medicare Parts A and B, but with lower out-of-pocket costs when you use doctors and hospitals in the plan’s network. (Your Part B premium is still required.)
Part D (Medicare Rx)
Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage.
Some Medicare Advantage plans also include:
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Vision benefits
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Hearing benefits
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Dental benefits
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Wellness benefits and discounts such as no-cost fitness memberships
Path 2 Perks
All-in-One Coverage
You can choose a plan that includes prescription drug coverage, as well as other benefits such as dental and hearing.
Limits on Out-of-Pocket Costs
Unlike Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans put a cap on your out-of-pocket costs. Once you hit the cap, the plan pays 100% of your covered costs.
Affordability
Many plans offer more comprehensive coverage for a lower cost than Path 1.
Find a Plan
Explore plans near you, or get a personalized recommendation.
Get a Recommendation
Our Medicare Plan Finder can help you find a plan based on your individual needs. If you’re a current Blue Cross NC member, log in to Blue Connect to get started. Not yet a member? No problem. Simply answer a few short questions to find the Blue Medicare plan that’s right for you.
Blue Medicare HMO & PPO
Blue Medicare Rx (PDP)
Blue Medicare Supplement
Healthy Blue + MedicareSM
