Frequently asked questions about Medicare

There are four enrollment periods:

1. Initial enrollment: lasts for seven months: your 65^th year of birth month, plus three months before and three months after.
2. Annual Enrollment: you can choose a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan October 15^th – December 7^th every year.
3. Open Enrollment: those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement plan can switch to a different plan or Original Medicare, with or without drug coverage January 1^st – March 31^st
4. Special Enrollment could be at any time of the year, however, only applies to certain circumstances

If you are working past 65, if you have group or individual coverage, you can wait to enroll in Medicare. You want to pay close attention to timelines to avoid penalties.

No, it does not. Only about 80% of your healthcare costs are covered. You are responsible for the rest.

No, it does not. You must enroll and pay separately for Part D prescription drug coverage. But many Medicare Advantage plans include Parts A (hospital coverage), B (doctor visits) and D (drug coverage).

No, unlike Medicare Advantage plans, a Medicare Supplement isn’t a health plan. Its insurance that covers many out-of-pocket expenses Original Medicare doesn’t cover.

There is no cost.

Contact your agent. To find a local, independent agent, go to bcidaho.com/ma-agents

Or you can call Blue Cross of Idaho Care Plus at 1-888-492-2583 (TTY: 711), 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Go to www.medicare.gov to see if you are eligible for Medicare, find out how much your Part B premium will cost and to learn all about Part B late enrollment penalties. You can also see if you qualify for assistance.

Visit External Medicare Resources | Blue Cross of Idaho, CarePlus Inc. (bcidaho.com) to get additional assistance.