Who is on medicare? How to pick B

[2Design]

How did you pick B?
Were you already on medications?

I have not seen a doctor since 1997 and have not had medical all that time therefore no medications.

I start on medicare Jan 1

I believe I have to pick a B plan right away or costs go up

I do not have extra income for any of it and already have more outcome than income

Got my medicare card in the mail today - signed up online

[marybourg]

1. What you have to do is

decide between regular Medicare, where you get to self refer and go to any doc that will see you OR Medicare Advantage, essentially an HMO, where your choices are much more limited, but your co pays are much smaller and you get wider coverage, eg. eyeglasses. You should be getting a big booklet, or call or go to Medicare online.

[Suich]

2. I thought it was insanely difficult.

Before Medicare, I had an individual policy with Group Health. I had shopped around, when I was about 60, because I wanted at least some kind of coverage and Group Health offered a reasonably priced plan, with a $5,000 deductible. When I went on Medicare, I looked at a lot of the other plans available, and got so confused, I decided to stick with Group Health. It's worked out fine for me but I remember being so-o-o-o confused at the time. My additional premium has been between $17 and $35 a month.

Enrollment is going on now until the middle of December (I think) which happens each year. So if you can't afford it now, wait until next October.

Good Luck!

[lamp_shade]

3. My situation was similar to yours. I'm in Florida. Here's what I chose...

https://www.aarpmedicareplans.com/portal/server.pt/community/aarp_medicare_plans_community/248/plan_search
It's a Medicare Advantage plan. Zero monthly premium, although I still have to pay $99.90/month directly to Medicare for Plan B.
I did a thorough study of all the plans available to me. I'm very happy with my choice so far.
Email me if you have any questions.

[2Design]

4. I thought the advantage plan was changing or going away as the Affordable Care Act is implemented

A hundred dollars a month is a lot

[lamp_shade]

5. Nope. It's here to stay. However, the govt is reducing the amount they'll pay to these

insurance companies. http://healthreform.kff.org/faq/what-happens-to-medicare-advantage-plans.aspx

Also, you may qualify for assistance paying for Medicare Part B. http://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/10126.pdf

[2Design]

6. Are there areas of the country where states help or pay more?

Is it better in some states than others? Just in Florida Rick Scott hates people and doesn't want to implement anything the FEDS have offered - turned down stimulus - plans on not increasing Medicaid coverage - he defrauded Medicare and is a criminal but people voted him in and he is a horrible person

[lamp_shade]

7. Unlike Medicaid which is state-run and subsidized by the govt, Medicare is fully govt-administered.

Rick Scott has nothing to say about it.

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

9. The income limits are different by State

I'm

[No Vested Interest]

13. $100/MONTH = Medicare Cost

Someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but
the $100 is taken out of your Social Security payment before you receive it, so you do not really miss what you've never had.
Medicare is a wonderful plan.
If you've been without health care for a number of yrs, get connected with a good primary care doctor who will check you out very well at first.

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

8. THere is only one Part B plan

Your premium is higher if you don't sign up when you are first eligible - unless you're still covered by an employer plan.


You have to pick Part D plan
to cover Rx drugs. you'll also need a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) to pay the 20% Medicare doesn't pay. There are 10 standardized policies the insurance companies can sell. I bought one thru AARP for about $145 a month. It will pay for most of my expenses after the $147 annual Part B deductible. There are $20 office visit co-pays. There are cheaper policies. but you pay more out of pocket if you need medical are (which I do).

There or publications from Medicare.gov to help you chose a Medigap plan.

For low income seniors, there is something called Medicare Savings Program which I think is Medicaid since it is administered by the State. It pays your Part B premium and deductible so you don't need a Medigap policy. There's info on Medicare.gov about it.

Good luck ! I did this for a living (benefits ad ministration) and I struggled with researching and selecting a plan. This is why I am so opposed to giving a voucher to a senior and having them shop for their coverage.

[ellenrr]

10. I found this website helpful

http://www.medicareinteractive.org/

also there are volunteers called SHIP counselors who offer free consultation on Medicare and related programs.

"State Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Programs (SHIP): Free Medicare Counseling

SHIPs, or State Health Insurance and Assistance Programs, are not a source of funding for eldercare. SHIPs are free, state counseling services that help seniors understand their Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap and Medicaid benefits. Anyone with Medicare related questions is free to call a SHIP’s counselor even if they are not currently enrolled in Medicare."
http://www.payingforseniorcare.com/longtermcare/resources/state_health_insurance_programs.html

I've had one who didn't know what she was talking about, and messed me up, and finally found one that was very good.

The whole process is a nightmare, which is why we need universal health care.

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

12. There is only one Medicare Part B

It costs about $100 per month, depending on your income.If you don't enroll when you are first eligible it will cost you more. There is an exception if you have been covered under an employer plan until you enroll (late) in Part B. there is some financial assistance available with that cost (Medicare Savings Program)

You do have to select a Part D (Rx coverage Plan) if you want that coverage

God info here on Part B :http://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/part-b-costs/part-b-costs.html