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Medicare Planning Comes to Life

Your Medicare decision is a personal one

Take some time to review your options carefully – just like Jeff, Pilar, Luther and others.

a man

Meet Jeff

  • About to turn 65
  • Works hard to stay healthy and active
  • Ready to retire to enjoy more free time and recreation
  • Wants to protect his retirement income as much as possible
  • Takes medicine for high cholesterol

Jeff’s Choice:

A Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plan with prescription drug coverage included.

The extra benefits – dental, vision, hearing and fitness - offered by his Medicare Advantage plan will help Jeff stay healthy and independent. And this all-in-one coverage is easy to use; he won’t have to spend time coordinating care or paperwork. Jeff’s monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses will be low with this plan, and he’ll save money on his regular medications.

a woman

Meet Pilar

  • 65 years old and retired
  • Has a steady and comfortable retirement income
  • Takes several medications for chronic conditions
  • Travels frequently to visit family around the country

Pilar’s Choice:

Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan AND a Part D prescription drug plan.

While it can be hard to manage more than one health plan, this option makes sense for Pilar. She has low out-of-pocket expenses for doctor visits, and prescription drug coverage. Plus, she can see any provider that accepts Medicare, which comes in handy if she needs medical care while she is traveling. With all these plans working together, Pilar feels like she has all her bases covered.

a man

Meet Luther

  • 64 and starting to plan for retirement
  • Has a hearing aid and contact lenses
  • Is a veteran with prescription drug coverage
  • Stays active to remain healthy

Luther’s Choice:

Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plan, MA-Only.

MA-Only may be the best option, it is a money-saving Medicare Advantage plan that works with Luther's VA prescription drug benefits to help him get all the benefits he earned through his service. The extra benefits of an MA-Only plan, such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage will help Luther stay on track with managing his hearing and eyesight. The fitness benefits will support his continued efforts to stay healthy and independent.

a woman

Meet Shirley

  • 64 and about to retire
  • Sticks to a strict budget, so she can enjoy retirement without worries
  • Wants regular monthly premiums and no unexpected medical bills
  • Often travels around the country to visit national parks
  • Takes no prescription medication at this time

Shirley's Choice:

Once she is eligible, she’ll enroll in Original Medicare with a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan.

Shirley will be able to see any provider that accepts Medicare while on her travels. Her deductibles, copays and coinsurance that aren’t covered by Original Medicare will be paid by her Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan. This fits her lifestyle, and will make her budget happy.

Even though she doesn’t need it now, Shirley is considering a Part D prescription drug plan. She knows that if she waits to add it later, she may have to pay a penalty each month.

a woman

Meet Patricia

  • Newly retired at 68
  • Married to Bob, 69, who retired two years ago
  • Has some mobility issues, but they don’t slow her down much
  • Moves to a warmer climate each winter, so she needs flexible coverage

Patricia’s Choice:

A Retiree Group Medicare Plan. Through her work, Barbara is eligible for a Blue Cross Group Medicare Advantage Open Access (PPO)SM plan. This option allows her to see any provider that accepts Medicare – no matter where she is. She also gets dental, vision, hearing and other benefits she needs to help her stay healthy. These benefits are richer than her other options, and the cost is much lower. Her husband, Bob, can also be covered by this plan.

Your health, budget, medications, income, how much you travel, and even your employer may affect your Medicare decision. By weighing all these factors and identifying what matters most, you’ll be able to find the Medicare plan that works best for you.

Get Your Medicare Timeline

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 →

Find The Right Insurance Plan For You

You have a choice when it comes to your medicare health coverage through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana.

Use our shopping tools to find the right insurance plan for you. You can get a quote, apply, find an agent & more.

Get a Quote & Apply

Questions? Let us help.

As 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.

This Information is a solicitation for insurance.

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan Notice:

Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or Federal Medicare Program.

Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans are offered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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