Community Chat

[Its Me LuLuBelle2]

I will be eligible for Medicare in November.  A couple of weeks ago those nice folks from the Dept. of Health and Human Services sent me my Medicare card for Parts A & B without my initiating it.

The part that has been causing me to lose sleep is "what else do I need?  Is my coverage good enough?  How much do 'extras' cost?"  Well today I picked up the phone and called an insurance company that works in conjunction with AARP and spoke with an extremely kind, patient young man.  I explained my health (thankfully, excellent and I take no meds), I told him I'm a legal resident of NY but am a snowbird and spend six months out of the year in FL and will need coverage in both states.

To make a long story short, all of my questions were answered, I signed up for a Medicare Advantage plan that meets my needs and tonight I won't toss and turn and I'll sleep like a baby.

You can also call Medicare with questions and concerns as well.  No need to navigate this process alone.  You know what you need and there are people able to help!   

[Nataliesgramma]

You will probably get the barrage of sales calls as the date gets closer....I know we did when hubby was eligible...

[QVCkitty1]

I was exactly like you when Medicare reared its head. I let all of the info pile up and procrastinated and worried. Whe I finally sorted it out it was a relief, and I too chose the advantage plan. After almost 4 years it has worked out well.

[spiderw]

I am glad you were able to ease your mind and have your questions answered by a professional.  I called Medicare when I became of age and had the same pleasant experience.

I am very fortunate in that through my job, I have a secondary insurance which will carry me through.  I worked for 41 years and was a union member which was a blessing in that they were able to get great benefits for us for which I am grateful.  However, times have changed within the past few years and what I have is not guaranteed for future retirees..  

Our health benefits are so important and thank God for Medicare, it does help give you some peace of mind when you retire although you do need a supplement.  

Have a great day!

[CalminHeart]

I'll be 65 early 2019 and am looking for supplemental coverage too.  I've seen how it has helped my parents and disabled sister and wouldn't dream of going without it once I go on Medicare.  Luckily, my former employer offers assistance to those of us who stayed on the insurance plan once we retired.  I will be calling them ahead of time to compare but am doing some research on my own too.

[chickenbutt]

My husband is already over 65, but I will only be 64 in November this year.  I've been having it on my mind to research this whole Medicare thing so I know what I'm doing when the time comes.

I figure I'll have to wait until it's much closer, as if I start now I'll just forget everything when the time comes.  

Even so, there is a lot of mail that comes about insurance and such.  It ticks me off that everybody sells our personal information so that we get spammed by mail, and probably phone but I don't answer.   

[drizzellla]

My husband is 2 years older than I am. So I was lucky that he signed up for Medicare before me. So when it was time for me to sign up, I was thrilled with the person my husband used. He asked what medications I was taking and my health history.

He found an excellent plan. Everything went smoothly. And I pay -0- for all my prescriptions. 

I was not looking forward to going on Medicare. My company had an excellent Medical Plan and I didn't want to lose it. But I have not had any trouble with Medicare. 

Hope your going on to Medicare will be as easy as my experience.

[lilypadfrog]

I simply have my Medicare A & B and a drug plan.  I didnt go with an Advantage plan because I wanted to see whomever I wanted and didnt want to worry about referrals.  I am in excellent health, see a doctor once a year for labs.  I worked for many years at a major insurance company, had to tell people many times that they werent covered or their rehab / hospital stay was ended.  I watched people who could have benefited from more care or a longer stay go home.   Yes, I worked for a very large Advantage Plan company and it left a horrible taste in my mouth.  It will be a very cold day in Phoenix before I join a plan.  I know I have a different point of view from other people.  People need to understand that insurance companies are in a money business  the same as any business.  They take your money or Medicare's then hope they won't have to spend it all on you.  They only stay in business when they make a profit.  

[Azcowgirl]

We have been going through the process also, and signed up for A and B , a gap plan and a prescription plan . Still have to get something for dental ! 😳

eta....even if I did want an advantage plan, there are none available in my area ! 

Also I have to go out of my area for good doctors.

[fthunt]

lilypadfrog..........you're brave to take an opposite view than previous posters; but I'm with you.  I don't want to give the OP another sleepless night - - but I wouldn't touch Advantage for reasons you mentioned.  I came so close to giving up my great plan for "A" and my doctor's wife was insistent I get out of it and stay w/my original plan.  Many people love "A" and that's okay; but I want to see doctors of my choosing. (the insurance co. really did a fast one - even came to my house)