Re: Open enrollment question

Marp · ‎03-09-2010

@Mom2Dogs wrote:
@LuvmyLab Thanks, I think I understood that info but what I wonder if she has an appointment next week, which she does...will the agent have the 2026 prices....open enrollment would not have started yet....her appointment might not be needed until open enrollment is actually in effect.

@Mom2Dogs, your friend should be fine. Just today I was able to go online and check out 2026 plans so if the information is available online then her agent should also have it.

What is good for the goose today will also be good for the gander tomorrow.

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

The supplemental plans for 2026 are online because they are the same as they have been for years. They rarely change.

There is no info on 2026 Advantage Plans, through if you hve one you might hve received info from your insurance company. Many plans are being dropped and benefits are being cut.

The prices are showing for 2025 only. I have looked and there is no 2026 info out there.

Right now there is no info on exactly what the Medicare deductible for Part B is, just the projected amount. And the Medicare Part B premium and the SS cola has not been announced yet, but has been speculated.

Mom2Dogs · ‎03-09-2010

@elated Yes, I am aware, was asking because my friend has her appointment BEFORE that date.

CalminHeart · ‎03-09-2010

@Mom2Dogs wrote:
I certainly don't know a lot about Medicare but I know when Open enrollment starts and ends.

I have a friend that is seeing her insurance agent to discuss 2026 rates before open enrollment starts....does anyone know if the agents have the 2026 prices early? Maybe he can discuss prices but not make changes/ or sign up until the actual date??

She is going to be really irked if she makes a trip to discuss and then has to go back again to finalize things.

thanks

It's a good time to start looking at prices and options.

For me, I'll stick with Medicare and a supplemental policy.

Advantage plans sound too good to be true and my opinion is they are. I know too many people who had to fight tooth and nail to get bills paid. That's the last thing I want to do.

Remember, medicare supplemental policies are government regulated. You get the same benefits no matter what you pay. Stick with a reputable company but don't pay more than others for the same plan.

You can change your supplemental policy anytime. I changed mine in June because I was notified of a huge premium increase.

I was grandfathered into Plan F. I just changed it to Plan G and reduced my annual premium by $460. Plan G has a $180 (this year) deductible so it saves me $280 a year.

* To find medicare supplemental options in your area, set up an account at medicare.gov. You can search and see options and costs.

CalminHeart · ‎03-09-2010

@Carmie wrote:
I need to choose a new health insurance this coming year. My past employer is no longer offering benefits for retirees. They are dropping us and I am ticked.

I have looked to see if I can get a head start, but there is no info out yet.

Open enrollment is for RX coverage, you should check out rates every year...important to get the best benefits. Also check out Advantage Plans if you have one. Benefits are being changed for 2026. It will be worth your time to look into it and change if necessary.

It is not wise to try to choose a different supplement.

Premiums are going to be extra expensive in 2026.... especially for drug coverage because drugs are going up.

My RX policy had ZERO premium in 2025 and $12 premium per year in 2024. It and GoodRX saved me a ton of money.

I will look into RX options since I now have a terminal illness and meds are likely to get expensive. Not sure I'll actually make a change yet.

gidgetgh · ‎03-09-2010

@CalminHeart wrote:

@Mom2Dogs wrote:
I certainly don't know a lot about Medicare but I know when Open enrollment starts and ends.

I have a friend that is seeing her insurance agent to discuss 2026 rates before open enrollment starts....does anyone know if the agents have the 2026 prices early? Maybe he can discuss prices but not make changes/ or sign up until the actual date??

She is going to be really irked if she makes a trip to discuss and then has to go back again to finalize things.

thanks

It's a good time to start looking at prices and options.

For me, I'll stick with Medicare and a supplemental policy.

Advantage plans sound too good to be true and my opinion is they are. I know too many people who had to fight tooth and nail to get bills paid. That's the last thing I want to do.

Remember, medicare supplemental policies are government regulated. You get the same benefits no matter what you pay. Stick with a reputable company but don't pay more than others for the same plan.

You can change your supplemental policy anytime. I changed mine in June because I was notified of a huge premium increase.

I was grandfathered into Plan F. I just changed it to Plan G and reduced my annual premium by $460. Plan G has a $180 (this year) deductible so it saves me $280 a year.

* To find medicare supplemental options in your area, set up an account at medicare.gov. You can search and see options and costs.

@CalminHeart - but, in most states, you need to go through underwriting if you want to change your supplement plan. You can't just change, like you can with advantage plans.

Why is it, when I have a 50/50 guess at something, I'm always 100% wrong?

CalminHeart · ‎03-09-2010

@gidgetgh wrote:
@CalminHeart wrote:

@Mom2Dogs wrote:
I certainly don't know a lot about Medicare but I know when Open enrollment starts and ends.

I have a friend that is seeing her insurance agent to discuss 2026 rates before open enrollment starts....does anyone know if the agents have the 2026 prices early? Maybe he can discuss prices but not make changes/ or sign up until the actual date??

She is going to be really irked if she makes a trip to discuss and then has to go back again to finalize things.

thanks

It's a good time to start looking at prices and options.

For me, I'll stick with Medicare and a supplemental policy.

Advantage plans sound too good to be true and my opinion is they are. I know too many people who had to fight tooth and nail to get bills paid. That's the last thing I want to do.

Remember, medicare supplemental policies are government regulated. You get the same benefits no matter what you pay. Stick with a reputable company but don't pay more than others for the same plan.

You can change your supplemental policy anytime. I changed mine in June because I was notified of a huge premium increase.

I was grandfathered into Plan F. I just changed it to Plan G and reduced my annual premium by $460. Plan G has a $180 (this year) deductible so it saves me $280 a year.

* To find medicare supplemental options in your area, set up an account at medicare.gov. You can search and see options and costs.

@CalminHeart - but, in most states, you need to go through underwriting if you want to change your supplement plan. You can't just change, like you can with advantage plans.

I changed in June and had to answer a few simple high level medical questions. It wasn't a big deal for me but I can see how it could be for others.

wagirl · ‎03-09-2010

I am still happy with my original Plan N but not so much with the RX plan I have so that will be one I research. Am expecting another bump in premiums. And of course medicare B with be increased.

Mom2Dogs · ‎03-09-2010

@wagirl My husbands drug plan was $60.ish month, for next year is has nearly doubled.

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

@Mom2Dogs wrote:
@wagirl My husbands drug plan was $60.ish month, for next year is has nearly doubled.

Be sure to shop around for better drug coverage. You can change evey year. You need a list of all the RX drugs you take in order to find your best deals.