Community Chat

[DSD2]

I had to sign up for both Medicare and Social Security during COVID.

I made a phone appointment with a specialist at the COA and she walked me through everything including prescription drug plans.

I wish you the best of luck!! 

[Sage04]

I have Humana PPO Advantage Plan for this year. Saw my new Doctor twice then he retired. I have an appointment next week with a Physician Assistant. I can't even pronounce her name. Both names are about 10 letters long.

Not too happy with them right now and not too many other Doctors in my area to choose from. It was a big run around finding Doctors with Humana.

I'll check to see what Kaiser has and if I like it, I will return to the fold. I like that everything with Kaiser is in one place.

[Desert Lily]

I went to the medicaredotgov website. At that site info on available Advantage plans, Rx plans, & supplement plans are listed according to each state by entering your zip code.

It's a very helpful website. Premiums & deductibles for the available medicare-related plans by each company in each state are there.

I checked my sibling's state & my best friend's state for their Advantage plans. It appears that the deductibles for PPO Advantage plans in those states went up significantly - about doubled. It might be something to check & consider if you have or are considering an Advantage plan.

[Carmie]

---

@jagk wrote:

Was looking into a Medicare Advantage plan for next year. Does anybody have any advice about Cigna or Humana?

---

Both Companies are good health insurance carriers.

When comparing Advantage Plans...be aware that some are PPO and some are HMO.  

With an HMO Plan, you will have to get all services Coordinated through your family physician and need a referral.

Most PPO plans do not require this and as long as your doctors are in network, you can pretty much go where you want to to receive services.   Check the benefits for out-of- network too. They are usually included.

All health insurance companies are required to follow rules, or they will be fined and lose their licensed to sell insurance.

If you stick with major insurance companies in your area, the doctors and hospitals are familiar with them, which will make your life easier.

[Carmie]

---

@chrystaltree wrote:

I turn 65 this coming March and I've been getting Medicare stuff in the mail.  It all seems confusing.  Hubby still works and since I retired I've been on his plan.  My retired friends are on Medicare Advantage plans so I'll probably end up talking to both of them about their experiences, likes, dislikes with their plans and then make my decision.  

---

Check with your husband's employer.  Many employers offer insurance to their employees and spouses who are eligible for Medicare.

Some do not, but it is to your advantage to inquire.

[Tinkrbl44]

I first had traditional Medicare and was suprised at how much $$ I was out of pocket.  i kept it because I wanted to keep the doctors I had.  Well, that didn't work.  The docs I really wanted either retired or died!  

At my sister's urging I went for a United Healthcare  Advantage plan and found it MUCH better than traditional Medicare.   (CA plan) 

Almost nothing out of pocket and I love the quarterly OTC products I get, no charge.  

[Nightowlz]

@jagk 

Cigna has sold all their Medicare Business which includes Medicare Advantage, Supplements & Part D Plans to HCSC (Health Care Service Corp). 

We have/had a Medigap plan with Cigna. They still deduct our payments for our Medigap plans. 

I guess we will find out in Jan who will be billing us & how much? If we don't like it we will have to find another Medigap plan. BS

[Nightowlz]

---

@Carmie wrote:

---

@chrystaltree wrote:

I turn 65 this coming March and I've been getting Medicare stuff in the mail.  It all seems confusing.  Hubby still works and since I retired I've been on his plan.  My retired friends are on Medicare Advantage plans so I'll probably end up talking to both of them about their experiences, likes, dislikes with their plans and then make my decision.  

---

Check with your husband's employer.  Many employers offer insurance to their employees and spouses who are eligible for Medicare.

Some do not, but it is to your advantage to inquire.

---

@Carmie 

DH told me with the Medicare changes insurance coverage with an employer will no longer be considered credible insurance?

[tansy]

I think the one bad issue with Advantage plans is that I will get a letter from the company telling me that my doctor and or hospital will not be in network anymore.  That is followed by a letter from the doctor telling me I need to switch to another advantage plan to be covered.  This is because of contract ($) issues which usually get resolved but are aggravating.

[Tinkrbl44]

My sister also has a Medicare Advantage plan.  (New York).

She had a hip replacement surgery a few months ago and just got the summary. 

The entire cost was $41,700.  Her total out of pocket costs were $318.