Medicare Blog

how long to keep bcbs and medicare

by Carrie Batz Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Keep all medical bills and EOBs on file, comparing related items for accuracy. Securely store EOBs in chronological order for future reference. In the event of chronic or serious illness, keep EOBs for five years after the last treatment date, or seven years after you've claimed the medical tax deduction.Feb 26, 2015

Full Answer

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover Medicare Part A and B?

However, you will be responsible for all Part A and B insurance deductibles and cost sharing amounts. For help evaluating these and other relevant factors, contact your local Blue Cross Blue Shield company for assistance with choosing the Medicare option available in your area that will best meet your needs and finances.

Is Blue Cross and blue shield good for retirees?

together for you. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan is the number one choice of federal retirees in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. For 60 years, we’ve been covering federal employees and retirees.

How long has Blue Cross been covering federal employees and retirees?

For nearly 60 years, we’ve been covering federal employees and retirees. MEDICARE AND BLUE WHEN YOU RETIRE, YOUR SERVICE BENEFIT PLAN COVERAGE DOESN’T CHANGE.

How long can you stay in the hospital on Medicare?

Inpatient hospital care lasting between 61 and 90 days total per benefit period. Inpatient mental health care lasting between 61 and 90 days total per benefit period. Skilled nursing care lasting between 21 and 100 days total per benefit period. Coinsurance is also available for a limited number of additional days.

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How long should you keep Medicare explanation of benefits?

Unlike medical bills, EOBs should be kept from three to eight years after your procedure, or indefinitely if you have a reoccurring condition.

How long should Medicare summary notices be kept?

How Long Should You Keep Medicare Summary Notices? Most experts recommend saving your Medicare summary notices for one to three years. At the very least, you should keep them while the medical services listed are in the process of payment by Medicare and supplemental insurance.

How long are health insurance plans good for?

Health plans can last indefinitely, even if the plan details and benefits change significantly from one year to the next. For instance, your member ID may remain the same each year, but nearly all other aspects of your coverage may change substantially.

What do you do with explanation of benefits?

What should you do with an EOB? You should always save your Explanation of Benefits forms until you get the final bill from your doctor or health care provider. Compare the amount you owe on the EOB to the amount on the bill. If they match, that's the amount you'll need to pay.

How long should you keep insurance statements?

If you're using your insured asset for a business, the IRS recommends keeping your documents for three to seven years, depending on the type of document — but check with your tax advisor to be sure. If you get audited, you'll need to show evidence of your transactions related to that asset.

How far back do Medicare records go?

Download and complete the Request for Medicare claims information form. This form should only be used to request Medicare claims information from more than 3 years ago. Access your Medicare claims information for at least the last 3 years through myGov.

How long does health insurance last after quitting?

You can keep your job-based insurance policy through the federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, or COBRA. COBRA allows you to continue coverage — typically for up to 18 months — after you leave your employer.

Can you have two health insurance policies with the same company?

Yes, individuals can have coverage under two different health insurance plans. When two health insurance plan providers work together to pay the claims of one person, it's called coordination of benefits. The following situations are reasons employees would have dual insurance coverage: The employee is married.

What is the longer or shorter length of coverage rule based on?

Rule 5: Longer/Shorter Length of Coverage If none of the four previous rules determines the order of benefits, the plan that covered the person for the longer period of time pays first; and the plan that covered the person for the shorter period of time pays second.

Is an Explanation of Benefits required?

The EOB is your insurance company's written explanation for that claim, showing the name of the provider that covered the service and date(s) of service. The insurer is also required to send you a clear explanation of how they computed your benefits.

What is the point of an Explanation of Benefits?

An EOB is a statement from your health insurance plan describing what costs it will cover for medical care or products you've received. The EOB is generated when your provider submits a claim for the services you received. The insurance company sends you EOBs to help make clear: The cost of the care you received.

Does copay count towards deductible?

In most cases, copays do not count toward the deductible. When you have low to medium healthcare expenses, you'll want to consider this because you could spend thousands of dollars on doctor visits and prescriptions and not be any closer to meeting your deductible. Better benefits for copay plans mean higher costs.

How long do you keep medical EOBs?

If, at the end of the year, you find you have paid enough in medical bills to qualify for the medical tax deduction, file the medical EOBs with your tax documentation, and keep for seven years. 3.

How to keep EOBs in a file?

1. Keep medical EOBs in a file for one year. As the bills and EOBs for a medical service come in, match related items together, and address any discrepancies you detect. Examples might include double billing or your health insurance company overlooking the fact that you have met your deductible. 2.

Can you keep medical records on a computer?

In both of the above situations, you can keep the medical records on paper or scanned onto a computer based on your preference. If you keep paper files, keep them out of areas where they can get wet, e.g., a basement floor. If you go the electronic route, be sure to back up your data reliably.

Can you get cartons of paperwork from Medicare?

A person with multiple medical conditions can quickly acquire cartons of paperwork from Medicare, doctors’ offices, and health insurance companies. It’s helpful to start with what medical EOBs prove: The services the doctor, hospital, or other healthcare entity has provided. The amount the doctor, hospital, or other healthcare provider has billed ...

How long does Medicare Part A last?

Title. When to Enroll. Description. When you are first eligible, your Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare Part A and Part B lasts seven months and starts when you qualify for Medicare, either based on your age or an eligible disability.

When will Medicare Part A and Part B be automatically enrolled?

You will be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B if you reach age 65 and receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) retirement benefits. You will also be automatically enrolled if you are under age 65 with an eligible disability.

What is Medicare Part B?

Part B – Costs. Premium. Medicare Part B has a monthly insurance premium that is based on when you enroll and your annual household income. This premium is commonly paid through Social Security withholdings.

What percentage of Medicare coinsurance is required?

Coinsurance. You pay 20 percent for some medical services, such as doctor services, outpatient therapy and durable medical equipment. Preventive Care. No deductibles, copays or coinsurance are required for Medicare-covered preventive care services, such as annual wellness visits and mammograms for women.

What is open enrollment period for Medicare?

The Medicare Open Enrollment Period provides an annual opportunity to review, and if necessary, change your Medicare coverage. Below are some examples of changes that you can make during Open Enrollment:

What is deductible before Part A?

Deductible. You must first meet a Part A deductible before Part A helps with your covered medical expenses, similar to how Medicare Part B works. Copays. A copayment or cost sharing may apply to specific services, such as extended stays in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Coinsurance.

What is a Medigap plan?

Medigap (Medicare Supplement) is an option for those with Original Medicare. It covers the out-of-pocket costs for the health expenses not typically covered by Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare). Individuals enrolled in Medicare Advantage do not need to purchase a Medigap plan.

Does Medicare Advantage cover emergency services?

On the other hand, Medicare Advantage plans typically have a network but will cover urgent and emergency services anywhere in the country. FAQ Item Question. Limited Coverage. FAQ Item Answer.

Claims and Billing

Where do I file a claim for medical care received outside the United States?

My Coverage and Benefits

I was denied coverage, a claim, or received erroneous charged on my EOB, whom do I contact?

Purchasing Insurance

How can I find out information about coverage that is supplemental to Medicare?

Member Questions

Blue Cross Blue Shield members, please contact your BCBS company if you have specific questions about your plan, coverage and more.

Why combine Medicare Part A and B?

Another reason to combine your coverage is to get access to benefits not covered by Medicare.

When can I sign up for Medicare if I don't have a Medicare card?

This is January 1 to March 31 every year. You may be able to sign up for coverage outside of this period if a special circumstance (such as the exception noted above for the late enrollment penalty) applies.

What is Medicare for people over 65?

GET TO KNOW MEDICARE. Medicare is a health insurance program provided by the federal government, available to people: • 65 and older • Under 65 with certain disabilities • With permanent kidney failure who need dialysis treatment or a transplant (End-Stage Renal Disease) .

What is Blue365 discount?

Through the program, you can get discounts on different products and services that can help you live a healthy lifestyle, such as diet and exercise plans, gym shoes and athletic apparel, hearing aids and more. View all the current available deals at

What is Blue365 for Blue Cross?

Blue365 is a discount program exclusively for Blue Cross and Blue Shield members. Through the program, you can get discounts on different products and services that can help you live a healthy lifestyle, such as diet and exercise plans, gym shoes and athletic apparel, hearing aids and more.

How to contact Medicare for service benefits?

or call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY: 1-877-486-2048) . << Previous Next >>. 3. Combining your Service Benefit Plan coverage with Medicare is a choice. Here are some things to know that can help you decide: Keep your future healthcare needs in mind before making a decision.

What is the penalty for late enrollment in Medicare?

The penalty is a 10% premium increase for each year you choose to delay your enrollment.

How long do you keep EOBs?

When you or someone you are caring for is seriously ill, it is recommended that you keep EOBs for five years after the illness or condition is alleviated. If you or the patient is claiming or has claimed a medical deduction, keep the explanation of benefits for seven years. The bottom line is: hold on to any questionable EOBs or those ...

When to hold on to EOB?

When there is a problem or question with an EOB or a medical service listed on an EOB, hold on to that document at least until the issue is resolved and all parties have been notified of the resolution.

What is EOB in insurance?

The EOB details exactly what medical procedures or treatments you or someone on your health insurance underwent on specific dates . They list the codes for each treatment or item as well as a short description of what the service entailed. The EOB breaks down: Services/treatments provided to the patient.

What is an EOB bill?

The charges that are covered and the charges that are NOT covered by your insurance. It’s important to note that an EOB is not a bill, but a breakdown of how an insurance claim was paid on your behalf. If you see something on your EOB that doesn’t look right or isn’t accurate, contact your insurance company right away.

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