HElp with Medicare Part D - Page 2

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

We have the advantage plan from UHC and pay nothing but the $104 they take from our SS check, and it includes the part D coverage. IMO - for those without health issues an advantage plan is a better choice.

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@vermint wrote:
I'll have to be dealing with all this in about 3 years....what I want to know is WHY it's all so confusing?!?!? This is a time of life that we should be able to relax and enjoy. This process should be made very, very simple for us. Plus, it's also the time of life when many people's brains begin to fail them! There are many, many people who just can't handle this themselves, and may not have anyone to help them.

I've decided that these are not the "golden" years, but the "rusty" years!

@vermint

Health insurance has never been simple, so why is this a surprise to anyone? Most people have many years in their career experience of comparing benefits and costs for HMO vs PPO, price increases ... and whatever.

Who said there is no help out there? If you really are having that much trouble, there are Certified Medicare specialists that can offer free guidance, and, from what I've heard, you can also attend an orientation class in many states.

You need be a well-informed consumer ... this is nothing new. Read up on the subject.

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

If you don't buy part D from the beginning and then do decide you need it later there is a lifetime fine that will be deducted from your SS check - how much depends upon how long you wait to sign up for part D.

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@KathyPet wrote:
Open enrollment begins Oct 15 and I am trying to decide what to do about Medicare Part D. TO be honest I find this Part of the Medicare coverage to be the most confusing. I am 68 and have been on Medicare for 3 years. I currently have Part D coverage with United Health Care for a $39.00 per month. THis is increasing to $45.00 next year. THere is a $300.00 deductible.
THe problem is that I am not now nor have I ever been on prescription medication for a ongoing condition. SO in the past 3 years I have never filled a prescription. Seems like a lot to be paying out for no benefit to me.
I signed up for the United Health care plan because that was what DH had and I did not see anyway to figure out what plan to take.
I would like to revisit this coverage and pay a lot less. Anyone got any suggestions?

@KathyPet

No idea what state you're in, but my neighbor has a Humana Walmart Part D plan for about $16 a month with a $240/yr deductible, and she says it's very good. Look at the cheaper policies that you have available to you if you're on Traditional Medicare. If you are opting for an Advantage plan, it might already be included.

CatsyCline · ‎07-24-2013

did you receive Medicare and You 2017 book recently? in the book towards the back there should be a page or two listing all health plans for your state and all prescription drug plans for your state with all costs (for both healthcare and drug)

UHC should also be sending you a Formulary which lists all drugs and their tier level

there is always something new, i.e. costs) with Medicare. a call to locate a Medicare advisor would be a good idea. in my mom's area they hold meetings with Medicare advisors at her Town Senior Center. i think she has silver script was was $6 last year with UHC.

vermint · ‎04-05-2010

@Tinkrbl44 Right now, I only have ONE medical insurance policy to deal with. NOT Medicare, plus "Part This and That". MUCH simpler!

I never said their WAS NO HELP. What I said was there are older people of diminished mental capacity who still live on their own, but can't understand all the different "parts" , even if explained by a Certified Medicare Specialist. And many of them have no relatives or friends that can/will help them. I very well may be in that position someday, as I have no children.

No worries...I will "read up" on the subject, seek outside help if necessary and do the best I can. I just don't understand why Medicare--which I've paid into for the last 42 years can't be "enough", just like the ONE policy I'm paying for now.

depglass · ‎03-10-2010

We are lucky to be near small towns. We just walk into the social security office and ask them such questions. If you can't do that, try calling. The reps are much better trained than they used to be.

ItsME · ‎03-10-2010

@KathyPet wrote:
YEs but I could choose a plan now based on price and then 6 months from now have to start taking medications on a regular basis and then find out that the medication isn't even covered under the plan I selected.

That's right. That's why I think it's best to just get the cheapest plan. Then, if you do have a need for prescriptions in the future you can pick the best plan during the next open enrollment and not be hit with a penalty.

Moonchilde · ‎05-23-2010

@KathyPet wrote:
@ItsME wrote:
HI KathyPet,

Part D plans are confusing, and coverage, premiums. and copays change annually. Actually, coverage of drugs can be even more frequent. There are MANY plans in each state, and they all offer different combinations of coverage and prices. Charges can ever differ in the same plan based on the pharmacy you use. You really have to analyze your options every year, and make changes as necessary.

Medicare.gov is the best place to find the best plan for you. Since you don't take any meds you'll want the cheapest plan, and you can find out which one is cheapest for you on Medicare.gov. It could be completely different for your husband.

There are two reasons you should continue to purchase a plan every year. FIrst, you never know when your will change and you'll need to take medications. Depending on the medication, you'll might wish you had a plan. Second, if you don't have a plan, but want one in the future, there is a penalty. This penalty is one percent of the plan price for every month you didn't have a plan. So, let's say you don't have a plan for five years, and then sign up for one. That's 60 months. At 1% per month, you're looking at a 60% penalty. On $45.00, that is $27/month ($324/year). Then penalty never goes away.

I'm a realtor, but have an insurance license, and have decided to sell medicare products to supplement my income when I retire. Even through I can sell Part D plans, there are so many that I can't sell them all. I tell people that the best thing to do is to purchase through Medicare.gov.

Good luck.
YEs but I could choose a plan now based on price and then 6 months from now have to start taking medications on a regular basis and then find out that the medication isn't even covered under the plan I selected.

And? That's the same for anyone. Them's the breaks re: Part D. It's not like you can do anything about it, that's the way things ARE.

There are limited sign-up dates every year, and if you elect not to sign up when you become eligible, but sign up later, as many people have said, you *will* pay a "forever" monetary penalty.

And if you start taking a medication 2-3 months into the calender year without already having a plan, you'll have to wait almost a year to get coverage until the next enrollment period and you'll be paying the *entire* cost out of pocket until then.

It works the way it works. Almost no room for what-ifs.

Life without Mexican food is no life at all

Tinkrbl44 · ‎08-23-2010

@vermint wrote:
@Tinkrbl44 Right now, I only have ONE medical insurance policy to deal with. NOT Medicare, plus "Part This and That". MUCH simpler!

I never said their WAS NO HELP. What I said was there are older people of diminished mental capacity who still live on their own, but can't understand all the different "parts" , even if explained by a Certified Medicare Specialist. And many of them have no relatives or friends that can/will help them. I very well may be in that position someday, as I have no children.

No worries...I will "read up" on the subject, seek outside help if necessary and do the best I can. I just don't understand why Medicare--which I've paid into for the last 42 years can't be "enough", just like the ONE policy I'm paying for now.

@vermint

If there was only ONE Traditional Medicare policy, as in "one size fits all", there would be no possibility of coverage and pricing options. Keep in mind that our bodies and hereditary ailments differ ... as well as disposable income.

A "one size fits all" policy would mean that some would have too much coverage, and others would still need even more. How would that be better?

If I recall correctly, a monthly premium can vary tremendously ..... but you can purchase according to coverage needs. Since most people tend to need more medical coverage in their older years, I think the ability to CUSTOMIZE your coverage is a good thing. It may seem a little confusing at first, but it's worth taking the time to learn the basics ... and then customize your coverage.

OR ..... If you want just one policy, check out the Advantage plans. Something for everyone. No biggie. JMO