Medicare

Medicare Advantage 
(Part C) plans

Medicare Advantage is an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare.

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) provide Medicare coverage through government-approved private health insurance companies. These plans can be HMOs, PPOs, Regional PPOs or Private Fee-for-Service plans. To be eligible for a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, you must be enrolled in both Part A and Part B.

Coverage and costs beyond the standards set by Medicare can vary and your choices may vary depending on where you live. Some plans have provider networks you’ll need to use. Check with your physicians to see if they participate in a Medicare Advantages plan’s network.

What is covered?

All Medicare Advantage plans cover:

  • All Part A benefits (except hospice care, which is covered by Part A)
  • All Part B benefits

Most Medicare Advantage Plans cover:

  • Prescription drugs

Some Medicare Advantage Plans offer additional benefits like:

  • Hearing exams and hearing aids
  • Eye exams, eyeglasses and corrective lenses
  • Dental exam, cleanings and x-rays
  • Fitness memberships, wellness programs and worldwide emergency coverage

Plan Costs for 2024

Premium

  • Premiums vary by plan and can change each year
  • Premiums are paid to the private insurer
  • You will continue to pay your Part B premium to Medicare

Deductible

  • Plans may have a deductible
  • Amounts vary from plan to plan
  • Some plans may charge deductibles for prescription drug benefits only

Copay

  • Plans may charge copays for doctor visits or prescriptions
  • Amounts vary from plan to plan

Coinsurance

  • Plans may have coinsurance for some services
  • Costs during the Part D coverage gap may apply

Current Medicare Advantage members

Member Tools
Member Login

When to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan

Initial Enrollment (IEP)
You can join a Medicare Advantage plan during your Initial Enrollment Period when you first become eligible for Medicare and have Part A and Part B.

Annual Enrollment (AEP)
During the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 to Dec. 7) any qualified Medicare member can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or switch Medicare Advantage plans.Your coverage will begin on Jan. 1.

Did you know?

  • All Medicare Advantage plans have an annual limit on your out-of-pocket expenses.
  • The 2024 maximum is $8,850.
  • Original Medicare does not have an out-of-pocket limit.

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

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. BLUE CROSS®, BLUE SHIELD® and the Cross and Shield Symbols are registered service marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.

This information is not a complete description of benefits. Call 800-222-7645 (TTY:711) for more information. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is a PPO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas Medicare Advantage depends on contract renewal. Medicare Advantage, through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, is only offered within a limited number of Kansas counties. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas serves all counties in Kansas except for Johnson and Wyandotte.

Please contact Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas at 800-752-6650 (TTY: 711) if you need information in an accessible format or language other than English. BCBSKS complies with applicable state laws and federal civil rights laws, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, marital status, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, or disability.

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