Consider your doctor and hospital choice, cost, coverage, and foreign travel when deciding between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare) are administered by the federal government. Some people who receive Social Security benefits are automatically enrolled in Original Medicare, while others must apply for it as they approach their 65th birthday. Original Medicare doesn't cover all medical expenses.
Additional coverage through a Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) Medicare Advantage plan may help you better manage or limit your out-of-pocket expenses. You also have the option of enrolling in Medigap, which may supplement some of your costs. Medigap is a supplemental private insurance option that helps pay for Medicare costs, such as deductibles, copays and coinsurance. We analyzed plans that cover 85% of the Medicare Advantage market to choose the best options for 2025 based on quality, cost, benefits and customer satisfaction, among other things.
For information about the premiums and terms of these and other insurance options, how to apply for coverage, and for much more information, contact your local BCBS company. Your state's SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) counselors will provide free, unbiased advice on the best plans for you, says Jack Hoadley, PhD, a Medicare expert and research professor emeritus at the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute in Washington, D. Each plan will have a monthly premium (many Medicare Advantage plans don't have a premium) and a maximum out-of-pocket cost, which is the most you'll pay in a year for covered health care. Whether you choose Original Medicare with supplements or Medicare Advantage, compare prices and compare the best Medicare plan for you. While there are several Medicare plan options to choose from, the best plan for you will depend on your medical and financial situation.
If you need help evaluating these and other relevant factors, contact your local Blue Cross and Blue Shield company to help you choose the Medicare option available in your area that best fits your needs and finances. For more than 90 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies have prioritized policyholders, which is why most doctors trust us for Medicare coverage.
