Q. I am a 64-year-old federal employee and have Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Federal Employee Plan. I plan to keep that insurance and keep working for the government for several years after turning 65. I am considering whether to sign up and pay approximately $100 per month for Medicare Part B when I turn 65. I know that, as long as I continue to work, Medicare will be secondary to my primary coverage under Blue Cross, but I have found very little that explains what benefits Medicare pays as secondary. For example, will Medicare, as secondary, pay the deductibles and co-payments not paid by my primary Blue Cross? What benefits does Medicare pay when it is secondary?
A. The best explanation of what Blue Cross and Blue Shield will and won’t cover if you don’t sign up for Medicare Part B will be found on Page 24 of your plan brochure.
