Category: Health Insurance Education

If you’re new to health insurance or just need a refresher, browse these blog posts for topics on everything you need to know to understand your health insurance coverage.

Health Insurance Education

Do you qualify for a special enrollment period?

When the annual open enrollment period ends, you do have options when life happens, and your health insurance needs change. If you experience one of the following qualifying life events, you will have access to a special enrollment period for up to 60 days, during which you can select or make changes to your health coverage. Change in marital status Marriage and divorce are considered … Continue reading Do you qualify for a special enrollment period?

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
Health Insurance Education

Understanding why insurance premiums rise

While it is common for the amount you pay to go up or down each year, it is not always clear why those changes happen. While the general way premiums are figured is mostly based on how much medical services cost and how many were used by our members – there are many other things that can impact what you will pay for insurance, including: … Continue reading Understanding why insurance premiums rise

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
Health Insurance Education, Medicare

Medicare Insurance Eligibility | Retiring Past Age 65 | BCBSKS

Medicare & retirement insurance: what if you’re not retiring at 65? Retirement is a season of life when people look for prudent ways to spend their time and money. The average expected retirement age among U.S. non-retirees is now 66, a six-year difference from 1995. Americans are retiring later than they expect to, and this can affect their Medicare eligibility.  When considering retirement, you should … Continue reading Medicare Insurance Eligibility | Retiring Past Age 65 | BCBSKS

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas2 Comments
Health Insurance Education

What’s the difference between health insurance and a health benefit plan?

How do you know if you are buying health insurance or a health benefit plan? Both are options Kansans will have this year as they consider their health coverage, but they are not created equal and some can leave you without necessary coverage. Check out our side-by-side breakdown of both options to understand the benefits and limitations you need to know before you make any … Continue reading What’s the difference between health insurance and a health benefit plan?

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas
Health Insurance Education, Medicare

What Is a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)? | BCBSKS

Medicare Advantage brings the best parts of Medicare coverage into one plan without having to worry as much about what is or isn’t covered.  The basic Medicare options come in parts:  Medicare Advantage plans are considered Part C, combining Part A and Part B, with most plans extending to coverage of Part D.  This combination allows for more comprehensive coverage and less legwork checking what … Continue reading What Is a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C)? | BCBSKS

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas2 Comments
Health Insurance Education

Your open enrollment toolkit for individual insurance

The health insurance marketplace (healthcare.gov) open enrollment period will run Nov. 1, 2025 through Jan. 15, 2026. If you are uninsured, or underinsured, you can sign up for a 2026 health insurance plan. Open enrollment can be an intimidating process – especially if you’re doing it on your own. We want to help you feel more prepared and confident during open enrollment this year, so … Continue reading Your open enrollment toolkit for individual insurance

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas4 Comments
Health Insurance Education, Medicare

Countdown to 65: Action plan for when you’re new to Medicare

Now that you understand the basics of Medicare, you’re ready to start planning. If it wasn’t for Medicare, health care might become really expensive at age 65 and beyond. Medicare comes in Parts A, B, C and D. Parts A and B are called “Original Medicare” and are provided by the government. Parts A and B cover some basics – like hospital stays and doctor … Continue reading Countdown to 65: Action plan for when you’re new to Medicare

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas7 Comments
Health Insurance Education

5 tips to select a high-quality individual insurance plan that meets your needs and budget

During open enrollment season this fall, we want to help you feel informed when selecting an individual health insurance plan that meets your needs and budget, including the potential for financial assistance.  The “shopping” process for individual and family health insurance plans can often feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. In addition to selecting a plan that offers quality coverage and meets the … Continue reading 5 tips to select a high-quality individual insurance plan that meets your needs and budget

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas2 Comments