Why Blue Cross Is the Easy Choice
The Choice Is Yours
Our Medicare plans and large network of doctors and hospitals give you the freedom to choose both the coverage that works for you and the providers that you like.
We’ve Got Your Back
With support online, on the Alabama Blue app and over the phone — along with a 24/7 nurse hotline — you’ll have the tools, guidance and support you need to make decisions and find help with confidence.
Clarity and Confidence
We make it easy to understand your Medicare benefits, options and costs by providing plan details and pricing up front. No second-guessing. No confusion. Just smart decisions you can feel good about.
The more you know, the more confident you feel.
Check out our resources covering common health insurance topics.
What is a Medicare Advantage Plan?
A Medicare Advantage Plan is a Medicare approved program that allows you to have all the rights and protections of Original Medicare. Your Medicare benefits, however, will be provided by a private insurance company such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. This plan enhances your Original Medicare benefits by adding Part D drug coverage and offering set copayments and coinsurance. This plan does not require a supplemental plan.
Who is eligible for coverage?
To be eligible for Blue Advantage you must be a resident of Alabama. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium (unless paid for you by Medicaid or another third party). You must also be entitled to and enrolled in Medicare Parts A & B. To be eligible for Medicare you must be 65 years of age or on disability. Our contract with CMS is renewed annually and the availability of coverage beyond the current contract year is not guaranteed.
What are my payment options?
If you owe a monthly premium or payment, they are always due on the 1st of the month and are considered late if not received by the 10th.
There are several ways you can pay your plan premium:
- Automatic monthly payment by E-Check, Credit Card, or Debit Card
- Over the telephone with Visa, MasterCard, Discover or E-Check
- Automatic deduction from your monthly Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits check
- Mail a check
- Set up online bill payment through your financial institution. Please be sure to include your contract number when setting up online bill payment.
When is the Annual Election Period (AEP)?
The Annual Election Period allows you to make changes to your plan anytime between October 15 and December 7. Elections made during this time will be effective on January 1 of the following year. When Medicare has been notified of your election change, your membership with your previous MAPD and/or Part D plan will be cancelled effective December 31. To cancel coverage other than Medicare Advantage or Part D Plans (like Medicare Supplement/Medicare Select plans), please contact your insurance carrier.
