What is Medicare?

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for seniors and people with disabilities. As with any insurance, there are deductibles, co-payments, and coverage limits.

What's the difference between Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part A is hospital insurance which covers some hospital, skilled nursing facility, home health, and hospice services.

Medicare Part B is medical insurance which covers eligible physician services, durable medical equipment, laboratory tests, therapy, certain ambulance services, and other medical supplies and services.

Is Medicare considered comprehensive medical coverage?

No, nor was it ever designed to be. Medicare is designed to cover most reasonable and medically necessary health care services. Even with Medicare benefits, there are out-of-pocket costs to you, such as deductibles, coinsurance, and non-covered items such as prescriptions.

What is a Medicare Supplement Plan?

Medicare Supplement Plans were designed to pay most, if not all, Medicare coinsurance amounts and may provide coverage for Medicare's deductibles.

Does Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Supplement Insurance help pay some of those Medicare out-of-pocket expenses?

Yes. However, not all Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Medicare Supplement Plans have the same benefits. So be sure to check which plan best suits your needs, budget, and anticipated health concerns.