Among Friends

[Kachina624]

I consider a supplement to be absolutely necessary and top priority in my budget.  I'd be sleepless worrying about the possible consequences of not having it.  Being without could ruin your life. 

[catwhisperer]

DH and I do not have supplemental ins., but do have Medicare Advantage plans through UHC. Last year he had hospital/nursing home bills totaling over $200,000. His total out of pocket for the year was $3,500. I have had dealings with them on the phone and they are always courteous and helpful.

[Blingqueen023]

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@Kachina624 wrote:

I consider a supplement to be absolutely necessary and top priority in my budget.  I'd be sleepless worrying about the possible consequences of not having it.  Being without could ruin your life. 

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@Kachina624 How right you are.  Why would anybody want a patient responsibility for high medical costs when you're retired.  Medical costs are higher then the sky.  I know first hand.  Even though I don't have Medicare yet, if it wasn't for blue cross and getting donations from the Lymphoma Society and the American Cancer Institute and my Oncologist's office applying for medical assistance, I'd be in trouble for paying for my chemo therapy I received.  Each treatment was 33,000 dollars and I had six treatments  I can't even imagine what my patient responsibility would have been.  With Medicare, and having a supplement it's like having gold  I have one more year to go and then I can finally get Medicare to go with my blue cross. 

[Moonchilde]

@kitcat51, I'm so sorry for your situation. I know there are others in your shoes, and it's criminal. But like others have said, there are Medicare Advantage plans available with no monthly premiums. They may not be ideal as far as the choices you get, but they are definitely better than nothing. Please try to look into it. A local Medicare specialist insurance agent can help you. There will be co-pays, but they're still lower than not having any supplemental coverage.

[dragonflyveb]

When I first signed up for a supplemental policy, I was warned to pick one I liked. Switching to a different policy or company down the road may require you to report all medical conditions. If you are overweight or have high blood pressure, they can charge you more or even reject you entirely.

The process was so convoluted, I went to an independent agent. Otherwise, I would have to do all the calling for prices and policies.

I am just speaking for my experience. For all I know, each state may be different. But at least, ask the questions and be informed.

[CrazyDaisy]

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@Moonchilde wrote:

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@CrazyDaisy wrote:

If you can afford it, fine.  If you cannot, others opinions are not relevant.  It is a personal decision based on individuals circumstances.

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This is something that "has" to be afforded in one way or another. It's either have a supplement or be on Medicaid. One illness or injury could wipe out every cent you have, without a supplement. It's playing Russian roulette not to have it.

Some Medicare Advantage plans have no premiums.

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A very large portion of the elderly live solely on social security.  If they cannot afford it, they cannot afford it.  They just do the best they can.  Why would anyone want to judge or humuliate others due to their financial situation by saying this is something that they "have" to get one way or another when it is simply not an option.

[hckynut]

If a person is on Medicare because they are 65 years old? Without a supplemental plan? Many will be in for a rude awakening if the have a serious long lasting health issue.

I worked with many co-workers that had 2-3 kids, that chose not to pay for the Company Medical Plan. That was years ago, but to me it is still relevant.

What others do is up to them.

hckynut(john)

[kitcat51]

Thank You, I deeply appreciate your thoughtful comments & helpful advice. Hugs & Hearts to all.

[Moonchilde]

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@CrazyDaisy wrote:

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@Moonchilde wrote:

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@CrazyDaisy wrote:

If you can afford it, fine.  If you cannot, others opinions are not relevant.  It is a personal decision based on individuals circumstances.

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This is something that "has" to be afforded in one way or another. It's either have a supplement or be on Medicaid. One illness or injury could wipe out every cent you have, without a supplement. It's playing Russian roulette not to have it.

Some Medicare Advantage plans have no premiums.

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A very large portion of the elderly live solely on social security.  If they cannot afford it, they cannot afford it.  They just do the best they can.  Why would anyone want to judge or humuliate others due to their financial situation by saying this is something that they "have" to get one way or another when it is simply not an option.

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Did you miss the last sentence? You know, the one that says "Some Medicare Advantage plans have no premiums?" I also mentioned Medicaid. Many people who must live on SS cannot afford supplements and are on a Medicaid program. Many qualify.  I clearly gave suggestions with no cost. How is that humiliating someone? I pointed out that one can indeed get a supplement that won't cost them anything, and that it's extremely important to have it - AND that if you can't afford premiums there are still options. 

[RealtyGal2]

When I first went on Medicare, I shopped around for the best and least expensive supplement.  I found an insurance broker who was not tied to one particular carrier.  I ended up with plan G which pays for everything except the yearly deductible (around $180), but no co-pays and I can go to any doctor I want.  I ended up with AFLAC as my supplemental and it is less expensive now, after several years, than some of my firends were paying year one.  Hope this helps.