What is Medicare?

2 women talking and laughing

Before you can decide what kind of Medicare coverage is right for you, it’s important to understand what Medicare is and how it works. Don’t worry, though – we’re here to guide you.

Medicare is federal health insurance available for eligible individuals aged 65 and over or for individuals under 65 with certain disabilities or medical conditions, such as End-Stage Renal Disease.

While the government covers Medicare fundamentals, there are often gaps in coverage and care so it's important to consider opting for Medicare Part C, known as Medicare Advantage, or Part D, Medigap. Find out more about Medicare Advantage options from Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) Medicare Advantage and Medigap.

Learn about Medicare eligibility and enrollment.

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).
    Federal Employee Program

    Original Medicare

    Medicare Parts A and B are referred to as “Original Medicare” and include a defined set of benefits and services, including preventive services.

    Medicare Part A

    Part A covers inpatient care provided in hospitals or skilled nursing facilities, home health care services and hospice care for the terminally ill.

    Medicare Part B

    Part B covers doctor services, outpatient care, medical supplies, durable medical equipment and preventive services.

    Other Medicare Coverage Options

    Private insurance companies provide coverage options beyond Part A and Part B, including Medicare Advantage (Part C), Prescription Drug Coverage (Medicare Part D), and Medigap. These plans may include benefits Original Medicare doesn't cover and/or lower your health care expenses. Your health needs, finances and lifestyle are all important considerations when evaluating other Medicare coverage options.

    Medicare Advantage (Part C)

    Medicare Advantage plans provide an alternative to Original Medicare. They offer Parts A and B services and often include additional benefits, such as wellness programs, hearing aids and eye exams. You must have Medicare Parts A and B to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.

    Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)

    Medicare Part D is Medicare prescription drug coverage. You can get Part D coverage from your Medicare Advantage plan or, if you are enrolled in Original Medicare, you can get it through a stand-alone Medicare Prescription Drug plan available in your area.

    Medigap (Medicare Supplement)

    Medigap plans are state-regulated insurance policies for individuals who receive Medicare coverage through Original Medicare. Medigap plans vary in what they cover, but help pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover and may cover other extra benefits. You must have Part A and Part B to enroll in a Medigap plan.

    Medicare with Medicaid

    Medicaid is a state-based health insurance program that is funded by both federal and state dollars and covers a set of benefits and services. The program helps low-income individuals and families, people with disabilities and the elderly. Medicaid eligibility differs from Medicare eligibility. Special rules apply for individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. For more information about individuals eligible for Medicare and Medicaid (referred to as Dual Eligible Beneficiaries), please visit the Medicare website.

    To learn more about Medicaid, visit the Medicaid website or call 1.800.MEDICARE (1.800.633.4227) and ask for the Medicaid telephone number for your State Medical Assistance (Medicaid) office. For TTY assistance, call 1.877.486.2048.

    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).
      Federal Employee Program

      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.