Are you a current member of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico?
For us to best serve you, are you an employee of University of New Mexico?
Reviewing Your Medicare Options
Even though there are many Medicare plans available, there are just two paths to find the right coverage. You can pair Original Medicare with other Medicare plans to get the coverage you need. Or you can choose the all-in-one-coverage of a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan.
Reviewing Your Medicare Options
Different plans meet different needs
Everything starts with Original Medicare. You can choose to have only that coverage, but adding other Medicare options may give you more benefits. And it may help manage your out-of-pocket costs. Here are ways you can enhance Original Medicare, along with some pros and cons to compare.
Original Medicare
Pros:
- Low monthly premium
- Can see any doctor who accepts Medicare
Cons:
- Out-of-pocket costs for coinsurance, copays, and deductibles
- Out-of-pocket costs for prescription drug coverage
- No added benefits like vision, dental and hearing
Original Medicare
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Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan
Pros:
- Can see any doctor who accepts Medicare
- Covers some of the coinsurance, copays, and deductibles Original Medicare does not
Cons:
- Out-of-pocket costs for prescription drug coverage
- May not have option to add additional benefits like vision, dental and hearing
Original Medicare
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Prescription Drug Plan
Pros:
- Can see any doctor who accepts Medicare
- Low out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs
Cons:
- Out-of-pocket costs for coinsurance, copays, and deductibles
- No added benefits like vision, dental and hearing
Original Medicare
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Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan
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Prescription Drug Plan
Pros:
- Can see any doctor who accepts Medicare
- Lower out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs
- Covers some of the coinsurance, copays and deductibles Original Medicare does not
Cons:
- Must pay monthly premiums for each plan
- May not have option to add additional benefits like vision, dental and hearing
Beyond Original Medicare:
Easy-to-use Medicare Advantage plans
With a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll still pay your Part B premium. But you won’t use your red, white and blue Original Medicare card to get care. Instead, you’ll present your all-in-one Medicare Advantage card to get access to the care and benefits you need.
Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C)
Pros:
- Low monthly premium
- Low out-of-pocket costs
- Many plans include added benefits like vision, dental, hearing, and more
- Most plans include prescription drug coverage
Cons:
- May need to see in-network providers and hospitals to maximize savings
Now let’s talk about your needs and
which combination is right for you
Sometimes you just want someone to spell out the exact right combination for you.
SPEAKER 1: But how do I figure out what I need?
SPEAKER 2: Before I retired, I talked to my doctor about my health care needs, and that gave me a good idea of what costs I might need covered. Depending on what Medicare plan you choose, you may or may not have to change doctors or switch which prescriptions you take. So those are good things to weigh when researching plans. Remember that website I showed you, Stay With Blue?
SPEAKER 1: Mm-hmm.
SPEAKER 2: It has a great tool called Help Me Choose. It lets you compare any three plans, including your current plan. You can choose which ones to compare or it can give you recommendations of what's available to you. The tool shows you providers, pharmacies, and prescriptions. So if you're already a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico member, it's easy to compare what's covered by the new plan versus your current plan.
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IMPORTANT: Some companies, labor unions, and public entities offer Group Medicare plans to their retirees. If you are eligible for a Group Medicare Plan some of this information may not apply to you. Please ask your employer or benefit administrator about your Medicare options, eligibility, and enrollment information.
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 →Compare, Choose and Enroll
Get started with your member login. Verify your information and see personalized recommendations based on lowest cost and most comprehensive coverage. Compare your options, contact an agent and enroll, all in one easy-to-use tool.
Help MeChoose
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.