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. 🤨
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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.
@DeWayfarer Be sure you look into the VA Aid and Attendance program... not something you need now, but it plays into your long-term financial planning.
@Ontheroad I get my care through the VA (I have a 90% rating). It’s all free and pretty much includes everything. I do have Part B because for some services the VA can recoup their costs. If you are eligible for VA care I would encourage you to go for it—service at the VA has improved tremendously over the years.
@DeWayfarer You might be surprised! I was expecting about 30-40 %. They initially rated me at 70! And I thought that’s what I would be, yet they kept sending me to other specialists. About six months later they raised my rating to 90 and back paid me! Talk about a pleasant surprise! What’s more, the criteria for GERD and IBS have been revised and I am being re-evaluated. It cannot lower my rating and could potentially increase it.
@KunsanVeteran I'm retired Army so I've always had healthcare benefits and now that I'm retired, I have Medicare and TRICARE for Life, plus VA benefits.
@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.
