where I need to figure out how to "Medicare". I’ll need to work it out by October to be ready for 2025. I’ve been watching “webinars" by AARP and other companies to be certain I understand what will be necessary. My friends, so far, have been no help because they fall into two categories: they’re either not there yet, or they were there so many years ago that they’ve forgotten what exactly they chose initially.
While it still beats the alternative, figuring out Medicare is yet another thing about getting old that kind of bites. 🤨
If you want full coverage and the most doctors and specialists to choose from, stick with traditional Medicare Part A and B, plus Part D (drugs) coverage.
Every Medicare Advantage plan comes with a slew of limits and very much limits the level of care and what specialists you will get to see.
I know this because I started out with a Medicare Advantage plan and soon found out I couldn't get in to see the specialists I needed to see. After that first year, I started investigating the various plans out there and found traditional Medicare is by far the best choice.
I switched back and have never had a single regret. If you want to talk to the experts, talk to nurses at hospitals... admissions, and discharge planners and you will quickly find out that they will steer you clear of the advantage plans.
@Ontheroad Medicare A B and D (drugs) does NOT provide adequate coverage. It only pays 80% of hospitalization and almost zero for drugs for most people. The drug donut hole is just an insane mess. Medicare does have restrictions as well.
I am fortunate in that my employer chose and provides a Medicare advantage program for retirees. I am reimbursed for part B expenses. It only has two restrictions. 1) a $65 copay for using an emergency room. 2) a $2 copay for each prescription. It makes no difference if I use their doctor of one of my choosing. It helps that the advantage plan was written for a large group to fit contractual requirements The city claims they are saving over $5000/family annually with this plan.
This coverage applies anywhere in the USA, overseas travel requires additional riders.
My point is not all Medicare advantage plans suck.
I turned 65 in Feb. So I applied for Medicare. I was surprised to find Part B costs $174 per month. I had thought it would be free. I'm still working so I'm covered by my employer's health plan, which has no monthly fee. I plan to work as long as I can.
The U.S. needs a universal non-profit health care system that includes everyone. Let's make it happen.
@ninalanyon you have to get it all out and in the open. Then you can negotiate and phase it in. And yes, it would be an uphill battle all the way. Fully half the states in the union, and likely 30+% of the voters are against any national healthcare initiative.
Going through that myself. In June MediCare A and B becomes effective for me. Think I just stay with that since it's automatic for me.
Knowing you a bit, you really need to look into MediCal on top of MediCare. That might cover part D depending on your situation. Yet there's a income limit. Most of these advantage part C plans won't even consider California's MediCal plans.
The MediCare part C plans give little choice. I had problems with my father when it came to nursing homes. Had to beg them the last two weeks of his life.
No there wasn't a part C then with my father, yet they were supposed take care of everything else. And they didn't!
I as well have to consider my VA benefits. So that is very likely different from you.
@Crazywaterspring I believe the VA is different in other states than in California. It's not infested with cockroaches like the county hospital is here. And yes the county hospital is infested here. Not the VA.
Texas is probably the worst VA of all the states. They wouldn't look up my DD 214 without a valid driver's license. And I was stationed around there.
It's just been a few years, for me. I spent many, many hours, over the course of months, trying to figure out the best choice for [b]me[/b]. Because our circumstances are surely different, all I can offer is to speak with you it about privately, or answer a specific question on this post.
One thing for sure...is that the image included conveys very well how I felt, too. Still do sometimes, when trying to figure out whether I should maybe change the choice I made.
@Anniedlr And Norway. In fact most of Europe is much simpler, even those places like Germany and Switzerland which have compulsory insurance instead of single payer.
I truly felt overwhelmed when my mailbox started filling with "Medicare" every day....
So..... An independent "broker" had sent a letter to my wife introducing herself (this broker "represents" about 50 different companies and is paid by the companies .... not you). So I called her and she seemed very knowledgeable and she educated me on the "Ins and Outs" of Medicare. And she also told me how to get my Medicare card (which is not automatic unless you are getting Social Security benefits).
I gave her a list of my Meds and doctors and she matched me to a "no-cost to me" (other than the monthly Medicare premium taken from my social security). (UHC) Medicare Advantage plan that worked out surprisingly well for the past several years and TBH I was pleasantly surprised to find out they covered my dental as well.
I now recommend her to all my friends that reside in the county I live in.
What can't you figure out? PM me and I can try to help. We have a local agent who annually we discuss alternatives for both the supplemental and medication plans.
