Learn About Medicare

Your Countdown to Medicare

What to do…When to do it
As your eligibility for Medicare draws closer, it's extremely important that you get every dollar in Medicare benefits you have coming to you. Here, in a nutshell, is what you should do and when you should do it…

What to do 3-6 months before you're eligible for Medicare
Continue to become familiar with Medicare, and the plans that help fill Medicare's gaps. If you're thinking about joining a Medicare Advantage plan such as MedicareBlue PPO (Regional PPO), a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan such as MedicareBlue Rx (PDP), or a traditional Medicare Supplement plan, take time to familiarize yourself with the different plans available. To learn about MedicareBlue Rx (PDP), MedicareBlue PPO (Regional PPO), Medicare Supplement plans, and other options available to people with Medicare, visit Plan Options. Contact your employer or former employer to see if MedicareBlue Rx (PDP) or MedicareBlue PPO (Regional PPO) is an option for you.

What to do 1-3 months before you're eligible for Medicare
You can now apply for Medicare coverage and plan to help fill those Medicare gaps. Plan ahead so your coverage kicks in right when you become Medicare eligible. We can help you apply for Medicare when the time comes.

For information on MedicareBlue PPO (Regional PPO), call:

Toll free: 1-866-434-2038
TTY users call 1-866-456-1550
8 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily, Central and Mountain Time
You have the option to speak with a licensed sales representative when you call this number.

For information on MedicareBlue Rx (PDP), call:

Toll free: 1-866-434-2037
TTY users call 1-866-456-1550
8 a.m. to 8 p.m., daily, Central and Mountain Time
You have the option to speak with a licensed sales representative when you call this number.

What to do the month before you're eligible for Medicare
If you haven't done so already, apply for Medicare now so your coverage is in effect the first day of your birth month.

What to do when you're eligible for Medicare
Relax and enjoy your health insurance coverage. If you've followed the steps above, you'll have the coverage you want in place.

March 12, 2010

Important Information

This page last updated and accepted by CMS January, 2010.

MedicareBlue Rx (PDP) is a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. MedicareBlue PPO (Regional PPO) is a Medicare-approved regional PPO plan.

Coverage is available to residents of the service area or members of an employer or union group and separately issued by one of the following plans: Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa,* Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota,* Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana,* Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska,* Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota,* Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Dakota,* and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming.*

*Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.