Medicare

Learn about Medicare

Just getting started with Medicare? Learn about the Medicare Basics.

What is Medicare?

Video: (7 min)

Medicare Basics

Part A and Part B are provided through the U.S. Government and are referred to as Original Medicare. Part C and Part D are offered through Medicare-approved private insurance carriers. Medicare Supplement insurance plans are not part of Medicare, but can play an important role to help bridge the gaps in your Medicare coverage.

Medicare Part A and B deductibles and other costs shown are for 2025 and are subject to change based on CMS approved values.
  Original Medicare (Parts A & B)ORMedicare Advantage (Part C)
Hospital Insurance (Part A) Watch Video

Helps cover

  • Inpatient care in a hospital
  • Hospice care
  • Skilled nursing facility care

Part A

$0/mo for most people*

Out-of-pocket limit: Unlimited*

Visit medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE or TTY: 1-877-486-2048 (24/7)

 
  • Medicare Advantage is an "all in one" alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A & B).
  • These bundled plans include Part A, Part B and usually Part D.
  • They may include extra benefits like hearing and dental.

About Medicare Advantage

Medical Insurance (Part B) Watch Video

Helps cover

  • Services from doctors and other health care providers
  • Outpatient care

Part B

$185/mo or higher*

Out-of-pocket limit: Unlimited*

Visit medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE or TTY: 1-877-486-2048 (24/7)

 
Drug Coverage (Part D) Optional Watch Video

Helps cover

  • Outpatient prescription drugs
  • Generic and brand name drugs
Optional About Part D (must have Part A or B) 
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Optional Watch Video

Helps cover

  • Most Medicare Supplement plans limit out of pocket costs like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles.
Optional About Medicare Supplement (must have Part A or B) 
Doctor and Hospital NetworkCovered by approximately 95% of doctors and hospitals nationwide Browse Doctors In network only Browse Doctors and Hospitals Browse Dentists
Additional Coverage Options in addition to MedicareCancer and Hospital Insurance Dental Insurance Travel Insurance Medicare Advantage often includes dental, hearing and vision. Cancer and Hospital Insurance Dental Insurance Travel Insurance

Additional learning

Additional Medicare Coverage Options
Switching Medicare Plans
Member Programs and Discounts
Medicare Blog Articles
Medicare Video Series
Attend a Seminar

Questions about our Medicare coverage?

800-752-6650 (TTY 711)
[email protected]

Phone hours:               
Medicare Advantage: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday
All other inquiries: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

Helpful links

Kansas Insurance Department | Required Statements and Disclosures | Medicare.gov | Social Security Administration

Disclaimers

Medicare Supplement is offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas Solutions is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program. By providing information to Blue Cross Blue Shield Kansas Solutions a Medicare Advisor may contact you.

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