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Let's Find The Right Plan To Fit Your Needs
Whether you’re getting ready to sign up for the first time or shopping for your next Medicare plan, we’re here to help. Choose your path below to get started.
I’m New To Medicare
I’m turning 65 or retiring soon and want to understand Medicare, its parts, and how to get coverage that fits my needs.
I Am Eligible For Medicare And Medicaid
I have both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligible) and want a dual health plan with benefits.
I Signed Up For Original Medicare But It’s Not Enough
I have hospital (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B) but need more benefits than Original Medicare provides.
I Want To Change My Medicare Plan
I already have a Medicare plan but am looking for different coverage and benefits.
Our Medicare Plans At A Glance
Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C)
A Medicare Advantage plan replaces Original Medicare.‡ These all-in-one plans cover hospital, medical, dental, vision, hearing, and more. Most include prescription drug (Part D) coverage as well.
Prescription Drug Plans (Medicare Part D)
These plans help cover costs for generic and brand name prescriptions, all recommended vaccines, and medical supplies for insulin injections. Part D plans work with Original Medicare‡ or Medicare Supplement plans.
Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs)
For people with Medicare and Medicaid, these Medicare Advantage Plans include benefits like allowances for OTC (over-the-counter) health products, groceries, and transportation. Additional Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are available for people with specific health situations.
Learn More About Medicare
Our resources explain the parts of Medicare, how and when to enroll, your coverage options, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare
Original Medicare‡ (Parts A & B)
Original Medicare Part A (hospital/inpatient insurance) and Part B (medical/doctor/outpatient insurance) is administered by the federal government.
Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Plans)
Medicare Part D plans cover the cost of prescription drugs and are also only available from private insurance companies.
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)
Medicare Advantage plans are only available from private insurance companies like Empire. These all-in-one plans include all the coverage of Original Medicare‡ plus much more. They typically include your prescription drug (Part D) coverage, as well as dental, vision, and hearing.
Original Medicare‡ has two parts.
- Part A covers mainly inpatient care, such as care you would receive at a hospital or a skilled nursing facility.
- Part B covers routine medical care, such as when you visit your doctor.
- They do not cover prescription drugs you may need when you’re not in the hospital.
- They do not provide 100% coverage for your costs, such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
Even if you’re healthy now, Medicare Advantage, and Prescription Drug plans will help you control your out-of-pocket costs. More than 74% of people with Original Medicare‡ have additional coverage.1
You may want to consider delaying your enrollment in Medicare until you’re no longer covered by your employer’s healthcare plan.
The decision for when to enroll in Medicare can be complicated. If you’re turning 65 soon, be sure to contact your employer’s benefits administrator before making any changes. You can also discuss your options with an Empire licensed agent.
Approximately 50% of Medicare beneficiaries are in a Medicare Advantage plan.2 That’s over 30 million people. Most Medicare Advantage plans include Prescription Drug (Part D), dental, vision, hearing, and more – all in one plan.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered by private insurance companies like Empire. They replace your Original Medicare‡ Parts A and B but are required by law to provide all Part A and Part B benefits. Plus, most Medicare Advantage plans also include Prescription Drug (Part D), dental, vision, hearing, and additional benefits. You can change Medicare Advantage plans or switch back to Original Medicare‡ during certain times of the year.
Many Medicare Advantage plans have low or $0 monthly premiums. Monthly premiums are decided by where you live, copayments, deductibles, and other factors. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies like Empire. Because they replace Original Medicare,‡ the federal government also reimburses private insurance companies for a percentage of the cost of care they would normally spend on a person living in your area. You will still need to pay your monthly Part B premium ($164.90 in 2023 for most people).
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Enter your Zip code below to find plans available in your area.
‡Original Medicare: Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Part B (Medical Insurance).
1For example, 74% of Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in prescription drug (Medicare Part D) coverage in 2019. Source: Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) Office of Health Policy
https://aspe.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/f81aafbba0b331c71c6e8bc66512e25d/medicare-beneficiary-enrollment-ib.pdf
2Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Empire BlueCross BlueShield is a Medicare Advantage plan with a Medicare contract. Empire BlueCross BlueShield is a SNP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in Empire BlueCross BlueShield depends on contract renewal.