Community Chat

[SilleeMee]

I just turned 63. I'm not looking forward to the Medicare thing coming soon. If I'm still around this forum you'll probably hear me screaming about that time.

[software]

When you are on the phone or in person talking to someone about purchasing a supplement or advantage plan, you are talking to a salesperson, not a medical professional.

Also after reading these posts, why wouldn't you be able to use your own doctor if all you have is Part A?  Never heard of that.   Part A is hospital, you are not limited by where you go.

Part B is a choice and it's not free.  Also never heard of anyone being signed up automatically.

[151949]

I am on the AARP medicare advantage plan for 8 years. No way in the world would I pay for a supplement and drug plan every month just to avoid inexpensive copays.All I pay for my advantage plan is the $134 they take from my SS check.No additional premium. And if you choose a PPO you can see any doctor you please and do not need referrals.

[Its Me LuLuBelle2]

@software, When I received my Medicare card in the mail I called them to find out why I got it as I hadn't signed up yet. I was told that since I've been receiving Social Security since I've been 62 I was in the system which prompted the Medicare sign up automatically.

[software]

I understand, yes, thanks

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@Its Me LuLuBelle2 wrote:
@software, When I received my Medicare card in the mail I called them to find out why I got it as I hadn't signed up yet. I was told that since I've been receiving Social Security since I've been 62 I was in the system which prompted the Medicare sign up automatically.

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[BirkiLady]

@Its Me LuLuBelle2@software  That's scary to have Medicare sign you up. Be sure to check with your Aging Partners or SHIP (through your State) to make sure you really have the lifetime insurance coverage your may need. (They have NO vested interest in any insurance company and are not funded by any insurance companies.)  Some insurance supplements will not allow you to switch; others do not ensure lifetime coverage (and could drop you due to later health issues). Be very careful if you haven't signed up for a supplement without thoroughly reading all of the fine print. You could regret it in 10-30 years . . . when you need it the most.  You also want to be able to select your medical caregivers, specialists and where service is provided (not the insurer doing the selections and/or how often). This is for YOUR benefit; not the insurance company's benefit!

I would not trust any advice given by AARP, which promotes insurance companies and receives monies for doing so. Seems to be a conflict of interest IMO. Plus, they waste so much money and trees with their annoying mailings. Not my idea of an ideal place for good information. Some information may be accurate, but that is not enough when it comes to the remainder of your lifetime of insurance questions and coverage!  

[software]

I'm all set, maybe you meant this for the OP?

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@BirkiLady wrote:

@software  That's scary to have Medicare sign you up. Be sure to check with your Aging Partners (through your State) to make sure you really have the lifetime insurance coverage your may need. Some insurance supplements will not allow you to switch; others do not ensure lifetime coverage (and could drop you due to later health issues). Be very careful if you haven't signed up for a supplement without thoroughly reading all of the fine print. You could regret it in 10-30 years . . . when you need it the most.  

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[BirkiLady]

@software  EDITED to include the OP in the above post. Also added to my reply. Sorry for the confusion. 

[Eileen in Virginia]

I’ll be eligible for Medicare in November, too. DH was eligible last August and he enrolled in A and B, with our regular insurance becoming his supplemental plan. This combination has worked well, especially when he needed emergency surgery in January. I’m covered on his regular insurance, so it looks like I’m not insured to all the salesmen hawking Medicare supplement plans. We get so many calls it’s enough to drive you crazy. Thankfully, we have caller i.d. and only pick up for callers we know. I was a little concerned about how everything would sync up, but it’s worked seamlessly so far. 

[fthunt]

Birklady............you hit it about AARP!  The mailings - the marketing literature that filled my mailbox.   - cancelled membership for all the garbage outfits they sold my name/address too.