Community Chat

[Mindy D]

There is also the hassle of throwing all the mail from these companies away. The literature has your name and address and other information on multiple pages. I try to tear this stuff off and rip into tiny pieces and throw out. I received three calls since 6:00 P.M and it’s only 7:49 now. One lady called me Sunday at 9:00 P.M. 

[Kachina624]

Every year I say a little prayer of thanks that my Medicare supplement is paid by the employer from whom I retired so I don't have to give it a thought.  There's no insurance in the marketplace that is superior.  I've never had to pay a cent to a medical provider or for the insurance itself.

[Pearlee]

@Carmie Even if I do have traditional Medicare and a Supplement yes I do need to think about more than the PDP. My Supplement keeps increasing my rate a lot in July each year mid- contact period so I never know what I'm paying in the second part of the year. Some companies charge less for the same coverage plan but I believe my company I'm with (Anthem) is the best. But each year I need to at least think about going with a company that charges less or getting lesser coverage (as I say I have the highest coverage). So there is more to think about than the drug plans.

[Lindsays Grandma]

@Kachina624 ...Oh I am so jealous!!!!!!  I pay a pretty hefty price for my supplement but it never costs me one penny for hospitals, doctors, surgeries, etc.  My Plan D premium is also quite costly but the most I pay for my medication every month is $4.00 per.  My supplement is increasing for next year which it does every year but I'm dropping it, getting way too costly.  You are so lucky.  

[ID2]

I dreaded going on Medicare last year. I was scared to death! After listening to comments like the OP made me so nervous. But It was a piece of cake! And still is! I had to change my prescription drug plan because my present plan was dropped. I called our rep, 5 minute wait, talked in depth about all that was offered in my area. Signed up and done! Not everyone has horror stories! Since we have a reimbursement plan through my dh job, we only contact them and its been a breeze. Plus I never get any phone calls! I must be doing something right! 

[Cats3000]

There is no need to call ANYONE.  Certainly, there is no need to talk to salesmen who have a vested interest in what they're selling versus an interested in finding the best plan for you.

First.  You can use the "Medicare Plan Finder" on-line.  Enter the data asked for, including your medications, and it will give you a list of plans in your area.  You can sort the plans a couple of different ways to meet your needs.  Once you've chosen a plan, you can enroll on-line from the site.

Second.  If you don't want to do that, find the "SHIP Counselor" in your area.  Do a search on line, or call your local government office.  "SHIP Counselors" are people specifically trained to help seniors and others navigate Medicare.  They have no axe to grind and nothing to sell and they charge you nothing for their service.  They help you get the plan that best meets your needs.

We've used the "Medicare Plan Finder" every year since it became available.  It doest take time, but it's time well spent.  I've also been involved with "SHIP Counselors" and have found them to be excellent.

[hick]

Just think of all the millions of dollars these insurance companies spend on TV ads, snail mail ads, phone calls!  Wouldn't it be great if they took that money and lowered premium costs and actually provided good benefits!

Every year, I make a call to Medicare Marketplace.  I have a person with whom I've worked with for the past 3 years.  She's wonderful.  Medicare Marketplace looks up all the available plans in my area and then tells me what the cheapest one is for what my needs are.

This is done at no cost to me.

[CalminHeart]

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@Pearlee wrote:

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I can't speak to your experience but can share my own since I changed my supplemental plan and Aetna prescription plan during open enrollment this year.  

It took me about 45 minutes to research and enroll in a new supplemental policy plan and also replace the Aetna prescription policy.  

Do you have an agent who can help you?  If not, I strongly suggest you get one.  Mine doesn't cost me a penny though I'm sure he gets a commission, which is fine with me.  He provided me with several options and details which I reviewed.  I also did some research on my own as follows.

Medicare dotgov (MyMedicare) provides data and details on supplemental plans available in my area as it's useless to read about coverage not offered here.  It's pretty easy to follow and compares the coverages and costs.  My pharmacy provides data on plans in a nutshell report.  Have you checked with your pharmacy?

I don't open most of the Medicare Plan mail I get.  Most of it just wants me to change to their plan.  Since I already know rates and coverages (from the above), I don't need to read their mail.

I went on Medicare earlier this year and love it.  The cost of Medicare, a supplemental policy, and my prescription policy provide 100 times better coverage and costs $450 LESS per month than my prior employer plan.  That doesn't even include the savings of not having to pay such crazy high copays and deductibles.  

[CelticCrafter]

Quite a few posters have mentioned their Supplement plan.

Supplement plans are not included in the annual open enrollment period.

If you are covered by Medicare with a supplement, there is no guarantee that you will be accepted by another company for a supplement with them.  The only time you are guaranteed a supplement is the first time you become eligible to sign up for one.  If at some point you decide you want to switch supplement plans they are allowed to ask medical questions and based on your medical history they can either charge accordingly or completely deny. 

Advantage Plans and Part D are what they are talking about when they say open enrollment.

[tototwo]

I'm very happy with the Medicare plans that I already have.  Thank goodness!  I just get sooo tired of all the TV commercials and infomercials for new plans.  I'll be happy when Open Enrollment is over!