Certain Georgia residents are now eligible to receive a $20 per month discount for the first year they are enrolled in a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Medicare Supplement Plan F for a total savings of $240 for the year. The discount is available to those who are 65 or older, within six months of their Part B effective date and have a coverage effective date starting Jan. 1, 2016, or later.

“Like all Medicare Supplement plans, it provides predictable costs and the freedom to visit any Medicare-approved doctor or hospital with no referrals or network restrictions.”

Medicare Supplement plans are sold by private companies to cover certain costs Original Medicare doesn’t, such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. They require participation in Medicare Parts A and B and a separate premium.

“We’re pleased to offer this discount on Plan F, which is one of our most popular Medicare Supplement plans,” said David McNichols, president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia’s Medicare central region. “Like all Medicare Supplement plans, it provides predictable costs and the freedom to visit any Medicare-approved doctor or hospital with no referrals or network restrictions.”

In addition to the first-year discount, members can also save each year if they pay their annual premium up front, have another household member on a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia Medicare Supplement plan or if they sign up to pay their premiums electronically. Drug, dental, vision and other benefits are available to accompany the plan for additional costs.