The Basics of Medicare...What You Should Know 

Overview

Original Medicare is a national health insurance program for people age 65 and older and people with certain disabilities, including permanent kidney failure. Established in 1965, Medicare is administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, part of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Medicare covers a variety of services

• Medicare Part A is hospital insurance that helps pay for inpatient care in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities

• Medicare Part B is medical insurance that helps pay for doctor visits, physician's services, lab tests, durable medical equipment and outpatient hospital treatment

• Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage offered by private health plans that help pay for some prescription drugs

What's not covered

Medicare covers much of the medical care you need, but there are other costs — coinsurance, copayments and deductibles — that are not covered. You must pay these when you receive health care services. Your out-of-pocket expenses for these gaps in coverage can add up quickly.

Health and prescription drug plans that work with Medicare

Plans are available that work with your Medicare benefits to help pay for the expenses that Medicare doesn't cover. The plan you choose will determine how much you pay, what benefits you have, which doctors you can see, and other things that may be important to you. There are different kinds of plans, including Medigap, Cost and Medicare Advantage Plans.

Why choose Blue Cross?

Blue Cross has a Medicare solution for you

When it comes to Medicare, it is important to know what options for coverage are available to you. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota has been providing health coverage to Minnesotans since 1933 and helping people with Medicare since the program began in 1965.

Blue Cross is a nonprofit Minnesota company with thousands of knowledgeable independent agents throughout the state to help you make the decision that's best for you.

When you choose a Medicare plan from Blue Cross, you get protection from expenses that Original Medicare does not cover. You also get peace of mind knowing that you can see any doctor in our extensive network, with no referrals needed. Plus, you're covered for medical emergencies when you travel.

{Excerpt taken from www.bluecrossmn.com}

	Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN
			IN THREE CONVENIENT LOCATIONS:
			PAYNESVILLE OFFICE 212 West James St. Paynesville , MN 56362 Ph. 1.320.243.7144 1.877.243.7140 Fax 1.320.243.7142		NEW LONDON OFFICE 26 Main Street New London , MN 56273 Ph. 1.320.354.7234 Fax 1.320.354.7148		METRO OFFICE 127 Indian Hills Lane Circle Pines, MN 55014 Ph. 763.717.1472 Fax 763.717.1453