Community Chat

[Carmie]

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@Nightowlz wrote:

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@Carmie wrote:

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@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.  

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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.

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@Carmie 

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

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I understand.  Many small companies do not have credible coverage, so picking up Medicare and RX coverge is necessary to avoid penatilies later.

[FranandZoe]

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@gidgetgh wrote:

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@FranandZoe wrote:

If you choose a Medicare Advantage Plan PPO any dr who takes traditional Medicare will take the Advantage Plan.

It might be better to go to an insurance agency or broker who handles all insurances.  They compare plans based on your needs.

I have Aetna Medicare PPO - I'm lucky I don't have a choice unless I want to pay for my own - I'm on my emplyer's retirement plan.  I've been very happy with Aetna.

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@FranandZoe - I'm not being combative, but are you sure about that?  I think a doctor, hospital, etc. can accept traditional Medicare and choose not to accept Medicare Advantage plans. 

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@gidgetgh so sorry you are right - I was sure but I'm mistaken.  When I became covered by Aetna I was told this and it's in the info from them too.  

[FranandZoe]

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@chlema wrote:

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@gidgetgh wrote:

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@FranandZoe wrote:

If you choose a Medicare Advantage Plan PPO any dr who takes traditional Medicare will take the Advantage Plan.

It might be better to go to an insurance agency or broker who handles all insurances.  They compare plans based on your needs.

I have Aetna Medicare PPO - I'm lucky I don't have a choice unless I want to pay for my own - I'm on my emplyer's retirement plan.  I've been very happy with Aetna.

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@FranandZoe - I'm not being combative, but are you sure about that?  I think a doctor, hospital, etc. can accept traditional Medicare and choose not to accept Medicare Advantage plans. 

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My hosital takes traditional Medicare and does not accept Humana.  

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@chlema I'm obviously mistaken - sorry - just going by info from Aetna.

[89135]

@tansy  I haven't got any emails from them that I can think of..

[Hopein24]

I have Humana and they have been wonderful. 

[pdlinda]

@Tinkrbl44  I have a United Healthcare Advantage PPO plan and had my right knee replaced.  Total was about what you mentioned...$41,000.

My total responsibility:  $100.00  The aftercare was, of course, fully covered, as well.

[ID2]

I have regular Medicare...love it. Would never choose the Advantage plan!!

[RetRN]

Some people just have to come here to get a dig into others. Sad.

[781Florist]

@chrystaltree  Hi!  Do you have a SS office in your vicinity?  I was told (and it was proven to be true) that it is best to go and get squared away for SS BEFORE you start to get it.  

The people at my local office were very helpful and easy to understand and got me all squared away.  I also went to my local senior center (make an appointment) to confer with a person from SHINE (a group of retired persons who have expertise in the field you are seeking advice) and that man thoroughly and clearly explained every aspect of health coverage (regular Medicare vs Advantage) and discussed premiums, deductables and all aspects that are so vital to making the wisest choice in a plan.

I would suggest making an appointment at your local SS office soon and you will be so pleased at how it makes 

navigating your way to your best advantage a simple and wise process.

[chrystaltree]

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@781Florist wrote:

@chrystaltree  Hi!  Do you have a SS office in your vicinity?  I was told (and it was proven to be true) that it is best to go and get squared away for SS BEFORE you start to get it.  

The people at my local office were very helpful and easy to understand and got me all squared away.  I also went to my local senior center (make an appointment) to confer with a person from SHINE (a group of retired persons who have expertise in the field you are seeking advice) and that man thoroughly and clearly explained every aspect of health coverage (regular Medicare vs Advantage) and discussed premiums, deductables and all aspects that are so vital to making the wisest choice in a plan.

I would suggest making an appointment at your local SS office soon and you will be so pleased at how it makes 

navigating your way to your best advantage a simple and wise process.

I'm already receiving my SSA retirement benefit.  I took the reduced benefit at 63.  Of course I wasn't eligible for Medicare then.  I did everything through the SSA portal.  It was so easy.  I never had to visit the SSA and my check was deposited for the month I stipulated.  I already know traditional Medicare is not what I want.  I just have to decide on which Advantage plan.  But we still have to speak with hubby's benefits person in HR first.   

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