Navagating your way into Medicare Part B

gellen · ‎03-14-2010

Good evening: I currently have health insurance through my employer, which I use, and Mecicare as I am over 65. I will be working fewer hours next year as a teacher and will be losing my employer health care. I need to figure out how to learn about and apply for Medicare part B. If you have this, did you go to a special consultant? I find it all so confusing and am totally overwhelmed. Thanks for any advice regarding your experiences.

Santoni · ‎07-04-2011

I JUST TURNED 77 AND I AM STILL CONFUSED WITH MEDICARE. THEY DO

SEND OUT A BOOK EVERY YEAR AND THAT DOES HELP A LITTLE

ALSO MY SENIOR CENTER HAS A PERSON COME OUT PERIODICALLY AND

EXPLAINS IT AND WE ALSO HAVE A SOCIAL SERVICES PERSON ON STAFF.

GOOD LUCK...

esmerelda · ‎03-10-2010

If your employer has a benefits coordinator maybe you could start there. See if they can help. Or HR. There seems to be lots of commercials on TV about Medicare. Take down a number and make a call.

If you’re close to 65 I’m surprised if you aren’t being inundated by mail with advantage plans.

*********************
Keepin' it real.

Toot1920 · ‎07-22-2018

Call Medicare and ask them. Are you sure that you didn’t get it when you started on Medicare? There is a monthly fee that is taken out of your Social Security check.

NicksmomESQ · ‎08-19-2014

@gellen The most knowledgeable person on these boards is @Carmie . She is a Medicare expert.She is also very generous & helped answer a lot of my questions as well as others.

Reach out to her. I’m sure she won’t mind.

Flika13 · ‎04-30-2014

Spoiler

I am in the same boat. I called the local senior center and they hooked me up with HIPAC, in Ca, who will help me figure it out. They are not interested in selling me anything just making sure that seniors understand their choices.
it does seem quite daunting and it is important to make the right decision.

I am in the same boat. I called the local senior center and they hooked me up with HIPAC, in Ca, who will help me figure it out. They are not interested in selling me anything just making sure that seniors understand their choices. it does seem quite daunting and it is important to make the right decision.

ALRATIBA · ‎07-15-2016

All you have to do is notify Social Security. I was in a similar situation.

I went down to the office and it took five minutes to sign up for Part B.

lizzief · ‎09-27-2011

I agree, the whole process is a nightmare! Having been through it, there are several things you need to know ASAP. First, you should sign up for Medicare Part A (hospital) even if you aren’t going to use it. It’s supposed to be done at age 65, or it could cost more later. There is no out of pocket for Part A, you earned that! Second, Part B (major medical, tests, etc) has a set rate of approx $188.00/mo. Mine is deducted from my monthly SS. Now the fun part, you will need to choose an Advantage Plan or a Supplemental to fill “the gap” which is the part left after A and B.. They push Advantage heavily, it’s all inclusive, similar to an HMO, some of them require a referral to a specialist from your primary. Advantage is best for healthy people IMO, and there are many. Or there are various Supplememtal Plans, A - F which is like a Chinese menu, each has different benefits. The important thing to know is that no matter the insurance company, the costs may differ, but the benefits are the same. Some provide a minimum of benefits and some provide a lot, Since I am still working, have had some health issues, and I can afford it, I have the F plan, kind of the “Cadillac.” The last thing to choose is a drug Plan D, if drugs are not included in any of your other plans. Fun huh? So my last piece of advice is to find an agent you are comfortable with, sometimes referrals can help. I got lucky and found a person who made it very easy to understand. I live in SFlorida, if we can figure out how I can get his info to you without violating the rules here, I’ll be happy to give that to you.

lovesrecess · ‎03-14-2010

I would make an appointment with your local social security office and ask them. You need to determine how much will be taken out of your check for part B as well. Th insurance you have now through your employer should be able to steer you in the right direction as well.

Theresa1121 · ‎03-15-2010

Part A is hospital only and everyone should sign up for it at age 65.

The confusion begins that for most of us our FULL retirement age is 66 or for me 66 and 2 months. This is when we can collect full retirement and sign up for Part B which covers doctors, diagnostic testing etc. at 80%. The cost of Part B is about $130 per month and will be deducted from your monthly Social Security check. You also need to choose a drug plan which will also be deducted. My husband has Aetna for $16 per month as he takes cheaper "Tier one" drugs so most are free and one is $2.

Then you need a Supplement to cover the 20% that Medicare does not. There are many companies to choose from. My husband has United Healthcare which is the one AARP recommends and some people will tell you they have AARP insurance but it is United Healthcare. My husband has Plan G which is $112 per month. We chose this as they particiapate in "Silver Sneakers" a health insurance sponsored plan where you can go to participaing gyms or YMCAs that particpate and it is free.

We used an insurance agent to help with this and she did all the applications and was very helpful.

I will be 65 in January and will apply for Part A only. I will use my health insurance at work until I retire so may not go on Part B right at 66 and 2 months as I may need to work another year or two. I can then go on Part B as "special enrollment" without a penalty as I was covered by a Group Plan.

Good luck!